Hybrid Track Steering With Mechanical Backup and Seamless Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steer by wire (SbW) systems for track vehicles lack redundancy and safety, being susceptible to electronic failures and potential hacking, with cumbersome transitions between mechanical and electronic steering modes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid SbW system that concurrently uses hydro-mechanical and electronic steering, enabling seamless transitions between modes with redundant components for improved safety and reliability, suitable for single or double chassis track vehicles, and adaptable for autonomous driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic steering control is used without mechanical backup, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to electronic failures and hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical backup steering system that stands ready in advance to take over if the electronic system fails. This cushioning approach ensures that even if electronic control is compromised by failure or hacking, the vehicle retains steering capability through the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering mechanism.
2Reliability
If mechanical steering components are included for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome transitions between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic mode-switching mechanisms with a direct mechanical connection that remains continuously engaged. The mechanical steering components are integrated into the steering wheel assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate mode transition mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If mechanical steering components are included for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome transitions between mechanical and electronic modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for mode transitions by maintaining a continuous mechanical connection between the steering wheel and steering mechanism. The mechanical components are integrated directly into the steering wheel assembly, allowing the driver to operate the vehicle without needing to switch between electronic and mechanical modes, thus preserving ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
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 hybrid system ensures instantaneous and safe transitions between mechanical and electronic steering, maintaining control in case of failures and enabling reliable operation for both manual and autonomous driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electro-hydraulic control valves (245, 255) have hydraulic connections to the steering pump displacement control unit (225)
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical connections can include a steering yoke and a hydro-mechanical steering unit
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid hydro-mechanical/electronic steering system for a track vehicle, where the driver system can simultaneously use hydro-mechanical connections and electronic (steer by wire) connections to steer a track vehicle such as a tank, where safeguards for safety and reliability include seamless transition between electronic to hydro-mechanical control and vice versa, such that the system can be used in a single or double chassis track vehicle and is adaptable for autonomous driving.