Deceleration Steering Mechanism for Agricultural Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous agricultural machines face challenges in adapting their steering behavior during transfer journeys, as existing systems are either complex and costly or lack adaptability for different driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A deceleration steering system for towed agricultural machines, featuring a frame with steerable front and rear axes, a trigger element that deflects based on front axis deflection, and a transmission device that steers the rear axis in the opposite direction upon exceeding a threshold front axis deflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor-based steering system with actuators is used to enable situation-adapted steering, then adaptability and maneuverability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system uses the drawbar element's own deflection movements to directly trigger rear axis steering through the transmission device, eliminating the need for external sensors and power-driven actuators. The system serves itself by converting mechanical energy from drawbar deflection into steering action automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic sensor-based control systems with a purely mechanical transmission device that directly couples drawbar element deflection to rear axis steering. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex electronics while achieving the same steering control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor-based steering system with actuators is used to enable situation-adapted steering, then adaptability and maneuverability are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, cost-effective mechanical components such as the trigger element and transmission device that can be manufactured inexpensively. These components replace expensive sensors and actuators, making the system economically viable for agricultural machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If a mechanical coupling transfers towing vehicle movements to agricultural machine steering, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to different driving situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering reliabilityVSAvoidsteering adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission device dynamically adjusts rear axis steering based on the magnitude of drawbar element deflection. When deflection exceeds a threshold value, the trigger element activates the transmission device to deflect the rear axis. This dynamic response allows the system to adapt to different driving situations while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the steering parameter (rear axis deflection) based on the drawbar element deflection threshold. By monitoring when the deflection exceeds a predetermined value, the system automatically adjusts its steering behavior to match current driving conditions, achieving adaptability through parameter-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If stronger steering on the agricultural machine is applied during maneuvering in confined spaces, then maneuverability is improved, but stability at higher speeds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoiddriving stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250171079A1Agricultural machine

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 LEMKEN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

An agricultural machine includes a frame, a steerable front axis, a steerable rear axis, a trigger element which is deflectable depending on a front axis deflection, and a transmission device having a trigger part and a steering part. The steering part steers the rear axis. The trigger element acts on the trigger part and at least partially deflects the trigger part in a deceleration steering mode of the agricultural machine when an absolute amount of the front axis deflection exceeds a threshold value. The transmission device deflects the rear axis in an opposite direction to the front axis as a result of the at least partial deflection of the trigger part and by transmitting a force from the trigger part to the steering part.