Articulated Vehicle Steering Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated vehicles with independent front section pivoting and wheel movement require complex sensor systems to calculate the actual steering angle, which is necessary for controlling rear wheels and indicating front wheel direction, but this involves significant processing power and separate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor system using a chain drive mechanism with sprockets to directly measure the steering angle by transmitting angular movement from the front wheels to a rotary sensor, accounting for both wheel rotation and front section pivoting relative to the rear section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used to measure articulation angle and front wheel angle, then measurement precision of actual steering angle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of front wheel angle and articulation angle into a single sensor system. The sensor is positioned to directly measure the actual steering angle (angle between front wheels and rear section) without requiring separate measurements and calculations, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from a complex calculation system requiring multiple sensors and processing power, and implements it through a simplified single-sensor system that directly provides the actual steering angle measurement
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors and calculation are used to determine actual steering angle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex processing calculations by directly measuring the actual steering angle with a single sensor positioned to detect the angle between the front wheels and rear section, thereby reducing processing power requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to measure actual steering angle, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the chain drive mechanism as an intermediary to transmit the actual steering angle movement to the sensor. The chain connects the front wheel steering mechanism to the sensor in such a way that the sensor directly measures the composite angle, achieving both simplicity and precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for direct and efficient measurement of the actual steering angle, enabling differential control of rear wheels and continuous indication of front wheel direction without the need for separate sensors and extensive processing, simplifying the system and improving operational control.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second sprockets being drivingly connected by means of a chain
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Articulated vehicle (10) has a rear section ( 12) and a front section (40) mounted to the rear section (12) by means of a vertically extending pivot (42), the front section (40) having one of more front wheels (50) mounted for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane, characterised in that a first sprocket (90) is mounted on a vertical axis, for movement with the front section (40), the axis of the first sprocket (90) being offset from the axis of the pivot (42) between the front and rear sections (12,40), means (80) to transmit angular movement at a ratio of 1 : 1 and in the same direction, from the front wheel or wheels (50) to the first sprocket (90), a second sprocket (92) mounted on the rear section ( 12) of the vehicle coaxially of the axis of the pivot (42) between the front and rear sections (12,40), the second sprocket (92) being drivingly connected to a rotary sensor (100), the first and second sprockets (90,92) being drivingly connected by means of a chain (96), the first and second sprockets (90,92) having a drive ratio of 1 : 1.