Autonomous Dump Vehicle Steering Mode Switching for Speed Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous dump vehicles face challenges in achieving optimal driving characteristics in terms of maneuverability and stability across varying speeds and load conditions, which affect cost-efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous dump vehicle is configured to steer using both sets of steerable wheels up to a speed threshold for maneuverability and switch to single-set steering above this threshold for stability, with speed thresholds adjusted based on load and road conditions, utilizing electric machines for braking and toe-in configurations to enhance stability and eliminate mechanical brakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the autonomous dump vehicle steers using both sets of steerable wheels at high speeds, then maneuverability is improved, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dynamically switches between four-wheel steering and two-wheel steering modes based on detected speed. Below a threshold speed, all four wheels are steerable for maximum maneuverability. Above the threshold, only two wheels remain steerable to ensure stability at higher speeds, preventing excessive steering input that could compromise vehicle control
2Stability of the object's composition
If the autonomous dump vehicle steers using only one set of steerable wheels at high speeds, then stability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a speed-based dynamic switching mechanism where the steering configuration adapts to operational conditions. At high speeds above the threshold, the system restricts steering to two wheels to maintain road holding and stability, while at lower speeds it activates all four steerable wheels to provide enhanced maneuverability when needed
3Productivity
If the speed threshold is increased for four-wheel steering, then cost-efficiency is improved through better maneuverability, but safety deteriorates due to reduced stability at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a predetermined speed threshold parameter to govern the transition between steering modes. This parameter optimization allows four-wheel steering to be available for improved maneuverability and cost-efficiency at lower speeds, while automatically switching to two-wheel steering above the threshold to maintain safety through enhanced stability at higher speeds
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous dump vehicle including a first set of steerable wheels, a second set of steerable wheels, and a load body. The autonomous dump vehicle is configured to steer using both the first set of steerable wheels and the second set of steerable wheels up to a speed threshold, and steer using either the first set of steerable wheels or the second set of steerable wheels above the speed threshold.