Digital Hydraulic Steering Cylinders for Fast Multi-Axle Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic independent steering systems for multi-axle vehicles suffer from slow steering response, low control precision, large steering lag, poor steering comfort, and complex structures, particularly affecting multi-axle synchronous steering precision and safety.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic steering system utilizing digital steering cylinder assemblies with integrated digital hydraulic valves and internal feedback structures, coupled with sensor and controller feedback, to achieve precise closed-loop control through digital pulse signals, reducing the need for additional hydraulic elements and simplifying the system design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hydraulic independent steering systems are used, then multi-axle steering operations can be achieved, but the steering response is slow and control precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the actual steering angle is continuously detected by sensors and fed back to the controller. The controller compares the actual angle with the target angle and adjusts the hydraulic valve accordingly, ensuring both fast response and high precision control. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to quickly correct deviations while maintaining accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage steering systems with an electro-hydraulic system. The electronic controller and digital valve replace mechanical connection rods, enabling faster signal transmission and more precise control. This substitution of mechanical systems with electro-hydraulic actuation directly improves both response speed and control precision simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic steering systems with multiple hydraulic elements are used, then steering control is achieved, but the system structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hydraulic control functions into a single integrated electro-hydraulic valve assembly. The digital valve integrates flow control, pressure regulation, and directional control in one component, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic elements and reducing system complexity while maintaining full steering control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-hydraulic valve is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: steering control, force limitation, and emergency locking. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system structure while preserving comprehensive steering control capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If digital hydraulic valves with internal feedback structures are used, then control precision is improved, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an internal feedback structure where the position sensor and feedback mechanism are nested within the valve body itself. The feedback coil and core are integrated into the valve's internal geometry, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides precise position sensing without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the valve assembly.
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
Enhances steering system response speed and precision, improves steering comfort, and reduces system complexity and cost by using digital pulse signals for accurate displacement and speed control, ensuring reliable multi-axle synchronization.
Implementation Method 1
a motor in driving connection with the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve, and configured to receive a digital pulse signal and cause the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve to move
Implementation Method 2
an internal feedback structure connected between a piston rod of the steering cylinder and the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve, and configured to, when the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve moves towards the first working position or the second working position, be moved by the piston rod of the steering cylinder to drive the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve to move towards a neutral position
Implementation Method 3
a steering pump; and a plurality of digital steering cylinder assemblies, wherein at least one of the plurality of digital steering cylinder assemblies includes: a steering cylinder a digital hydraulic valve having a valve core, configured to selectively communicate a rodless cavity of the steering cylinder with one of the steering pump and a return oil circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A hydraulic steering system, comprising a steering pump (1) and a plurality of digital steering cylinder assemblies (2). Each digital steering cylinder assemblies (2) includes: a steering cylinder (21); a digital hydraulic valve (22), wherein a valve core thereof is driven by a motor (23), and the digital hydraulic valve (22) is configured to selectively communicate a rodless cavity of the steering cylinder with one of the steering pump and a return oil circuit, and communicate a rod cavity of the steering cylinder with the other of the steering pump and the return oil circuit; a controller configured to emit a digital pulse signal to the motor, and cause the digital hydraulic valve to move towards a first working position or a second working position; and a mechanical feedback structure connected between the steering cylinder and the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve, and configured to be driven by a piston rod of the steering cylinder when the valve core of the digital hydraulic valve moves towards the first working position or the second working position, so as to drive the digital hydraulic valve to return to a neutral position. The system can improve the control precision and the response speed of the steering system.