Axle Toe Control for Adjustable Axles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial and agricultural equipment require adjustable wheel bases to accommodate different row spacings, which necessitates dynamic adjustments in axle toe for efficient steering, but existing systems struggle to maintain proper toe alignment as axle lengths change.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle axle management system with a microcontroller, sensors, and adjustable axles that receive desired and measured positions, determining if within a tolerance threshold and regulating the axle position using PID control and exponential filtering to maintain toe alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel base is adjusted to accommodate different row spacings, then the adaptability of the equipment is improved, but the toe alignment becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the actual toe alignment and compares it with the desired toe value. Based on this feedback, the microcontroller automatically adjusts the steering assembly to maintain proper toe alignment regardless of wheel base changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the toe alignment in real-time as the wheel base changes. Rather than maintaining a fixed mechanical setting, the toe is continuously modified based on the current wheel base position, allowing the system to adapt while maintaining precision
2Manufacturing precision
If manual toe adjustment is performed for each wheel base change, then the toe alignment precision can be maintained, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic toe adjustment without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller autonomously monitors wheel base position and adjusts the steering assembly accordingly, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust toe for each wheel base change
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electro-hydraulic system. The microcontroller controls the steering cylinder to adjust toe alignment automatically, substituting human operation with an automated control system that maintains precision while simplifying operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of regulating the operation of a vehicle axle system, the vehicle axle system including at least one adjustable axle having at least one axle cylinder and a steering assembly including at least one steering cylinder connected thereto, an axle management system including a microcontroller having a microprocessor, a memory, and a sensor. The method includes receiving, by the axle management system, at least one desired axle position and at least one measured axle position, from at least one sensor. The method also includes determining, if the measured axle position is within a predetermined tolerance threshold of the desired axle position and regulating the position of the at least one adjustable axle.