Dual Hydraulic Steering Circuits for Precise Wheel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled vehicles with steering mechanisms struggle to precisely control the end-of-stroke positions of the cylinders, leading to imperfect wheel alignment in different configurations, and lack mechanical resistance in steering operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled machine with a dual fluid circuit system for the steering mechanisms, featuring a geared flow divider and a distributor with multiple positions, ensures precise fluid flow control and mechanical strength, allowing for accurate wheel alignment and enhanced mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fluid circuit is used to control the steering cylinders, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of wheel alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid circuit is segmented into two independent circuits: a first fluid circuit that supplies fluid only to the end chambers of the cylinders, and a second fluid circuit that supplies fluid to both the central chamber and end chambers. This segmentation allows precise control of piston positions in different configurations, resolving the wheel alignment precision issue while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through modular design.
2Strength
If the central chamber is supplied with fluid in the first configuration, then the mechanical resistance of the steering mechanism is increased, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply to the central chamber is made dynamic and configuration-dependent. In the first configuration (parallel wheels), the central chamber is not supplied with fluid, providing ease of operation. In the second configuration (O-configuration), the central chamber is supplied with fluid through the second fluid circuit, increasing mechanical resistance when needed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a flow divider is added to the second fluid circuit, then the manufacturing precision of piston positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flow divider is introduced as an intermediary component in the second fluid circuit. This flow divider ensures equal fluid distribution to both end chambers, which is critical for precise piston positioning in the O-configuration. While it does increase component count, the flow divider is a standardized hydraulic component that manages complexity through functional specialization, enabling precise wheel alignment in the second configuration.
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
The dual fluid circuit system enables precise control of wheel alignment in both parallel and 'O' configurations, improving operational efficiency and mechanical durability of the steering mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a double-acting hydraulic cylinder connectable to a pressurized fluid source
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising front and rear axles, one steering mechanism (6) per axle, comprising a cylinder (7) having a body and two pistons, each associated with a rod and dividing the body into a central chamber extending between the pistons and two end chambers, said vehicle comprising a first configuration wherein the wheels (4, 5) of a single axle extend in parallel planes, and a second O-shaped configuration wherein the wheels (4, 5) are arranged on a circle, and a configuration selector. The vehicle comprises, for fluid connection of the cylinders (7) of the steering mechanisms (6) to the source or sources (17, 18) of pressurised fluid, a first circuit (15) of fluid active in the first configuration, and a second circuit (16) of fluid active in the second configuration, the second circuit (16) being, for the cylinder (7) of each steering mechanism (6), configured so that when the central chamber of said cylinder forms an inlet chamber, the end chambers of said cylinder form exhaust chambers, and vice versa, this second circuit (16) of fluid being equipped with a flow divider (25).