Dynamic Wheel Steering System for Load Transport Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles transporting large loads face reduced manoeuvrability due to the presence of non-steerable axles, which do not adapt to changing load distributions and steering geometries, leading to inefficient turning and increased tire wear.
Innovation Solution
A wheel steering system that includes a steering angle detection device and a control system to determine and adjust the steering geometry of steerable wheels based on detected steering angles and load distributions, allowing for optimal steering angle control without requiring adjustable suspension stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-steerable axles are used to handle ground pressure, then the vehicle can support large loads, but the manoeuvrability of the vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the previously static non-steerable axle into a dynamic steerable axle. The control system enables the second pair of wheels to change their steering angle dynamically based on detected vehicle steering angle and determined steering geometry, allowing the axle to adapt between steerable and non-steerable states to optimize both load handling and manoeuvrability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering angle parameter of the second pair of wheels from fixed (non-steerable) to variable (steerable). By controlling the steering angle based on vehicle steering geometry and detected parameters, the system optimizes the balance between load carrying capability and turning performance
2Stress or pressure
If multiple non-steerable wheel pairs are used to distribute load, then the pressure on each wheel decreases, but the vehicle's turning efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static configuration of multiple non-steerable axles into a dynamic system where the second axle can steer. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to maintain optimal steering geometry during turns while keeping multiple axles for load distribution, thereby improving turning efficiency without sacrificing load distribution benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from the steering angle detection device to continuously monitor vehicle steering angle and adjust the steering angle of the second pair of wheels accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal steering geometry is maintained during turns, improving turning efficiency while preserving the load-distributing benefit of multiple axles
3Device complexity
If fixed steering geometry is used, then the system structure is simple, but the wheel wear increases due to non-optimal steering angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering angle parameter from fixed to variable, allowing real-time optimization of steering geometry. By adjusting the steering angle of the second pair of wheels based on detected vehicle parameters and determined steering geometry, the system minimizes tire wear while maintaining relatively simple system structure through electronic control
4Ease of operation
If suspension stiffness is adjusted to improve manoeuvrability, then the turning performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adjusting suspension stiffness with an electronic control system that adjusts steering angles. By using the control system to optimize steering geometry based on detected parameters, the patent achieves improved manoeuvrability without the complexity of adjustable suspension systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure concerns a wheel steering system (200) for controlling a steering angle (βι, β2) of a second pair of steerable wheels (121, 122) of a vehicle (101) that is suitable for transporting a load. The vehicle comprises at least a first and a second pair of steerable wheels (1 1 1, 112, 121, 122) and a first and second pair of non steerable wheels (131, 132, 141, 142). The wheel steering system (200) comprising a steering angle detection device (201) for detecting at least one vehicle steering angle (a, ai, 02), and control system (204) configured to determine a steering geometry of the vehicle (101) and to control the steering angle (β^ β2) of at least each of the second pair of steerable wheels (121, 122) based on at least the at least one detected steering angle (a, a-i, a2) and the determined steering geometry of the vehicle (101).