Brake-Based Vehicle Steering for Autonomous Confined-Site Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility vehicles without active automated steering systems cannot be fully integrated into autonomously operated depots, requiring manual driver intervention and increasing personnel needs, which is undesirable and costly to retrofit with automated steering systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a vehicle within a confined site using a control unit that automates the brake and drive systems, allowing the vehicle to follow a specified path by generating drive control signals and steering braking control signals, which control the steering angle through differential brake pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If vehicles without automated steering systems are used in autonomously operated depots, then personnel requirements increase and operational costs rise, but retrofitting automated steering systems is expensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of vehicle operationVSAvoidsteering system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical steering system with a braking-based steering mechanism. The control unit generates steering braking control signals that apply differential braking forces to steer the vehicle, eliminating the need for traditional automated steering systems while achieving autonomous operation within the depot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its traditional function (deceleration and stopping) and a steering function. The control unit coordinates drive and braking systems to achieve both propulsion and directional control, allowing a single vehicle platform to operate autonomously without dedicated steering automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If manual driver intervention is used for steering, then vehicles can be operated without automated steering systems, but personnel requirements increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle performs steering operations autonomously through self-coordinated braking actions. The control unit automatically generates steering braking control signals based on the desired path, enabling the vehicle to steer itself without manual driver intervention and maintaining high operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If automated steering systems are retrofitted to existing vehicles, then steering automation is achieved, but retrofitting costs are high and implementation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering automationVSAvoidretrofitting cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the steering function from the traditional steering system and implements it through the existing braking system. This approach takes out the need for complex steering automation hardware and replaces it with software-controlled braking operations, significantly reducing retrofitting costs and complexity while achieving steering automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables vehicles without automated steering systems to operate autonomously within confined sites, reducing personnel requirements and avoiding the high cost of retrofitting automated steering systems, while maintaining safe and coordinated vehicle movement.

Implementation Method 1

steering of a vehicle through the use of steering braking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a steering moment is generated, wherein a steering angle is set at the wheels of the steered vehicle axle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteering moment: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12208833B2Method for controlling a vehicle within a confined site, control unit and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH

AI summary

A method for controlling a vehicle within a confined site, the method including, following a determination that there is no steering system available in a vehicle that can be controlled by steering control signals generated in automated fashion in order to influence a steering angle of wheels of a steered vehicle axle of the vehicle in automated fashion, specifying a path between a starting area and a specified destination area within the confined site, and generating drive control signals and steering braking control signals such that, during subsequent automated control of a drive system and of a brake system using the control signals, the vehicle moves from the starting area along the path to the specified destination area, and the steering angle varies owing solely to automated control of the brakes of the brake system.