Hydraulic Steering Adjustment Assembly for Tractor Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic steering systems in vehicles, particularly tractors and compact tractors, often experience misalignment between the steering column angle and the effective wheel angle due to leakage or inaccuracies, leading to inconsistent steering performance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment assembly is introduced, positioned between the steering column and the hydraulic steering unit, utilizing an epicycloidal device and an adjustment device with an electric motor and electronic control unit to ensure biunivocal adjustment of the steering angles, compensating for hydraulic leakages and inaccuracies, and allowing for continuous vehicle operation even in case of electric motor malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic steering system is used in tractors or compact tractors, then steering operation is simplified and power assistance is provided, but misalignment occurs between the steering column angle and the effective wheel angle due to hydraulic leakage or inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
An adjustment assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering column and the hydraulic steering unit. This assembly includes an adjustment device with an electric motor and reduction gear that can modify the angular position of the steering column relative to the hydraulic steering unit, thereby compensating for misalignment caused by hydraulic leakage or inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the actual angular position of the steering column and the effective angle at the wheels. This feedback information is processed by a control unit that commands the electric motor in the adjustment assembly to correct any detected misalignment, ensuring continuous alignment between the steering column and wheel angles
2Measurement precision
If an adjustment assembly with electric motor and electronic control is added to correct steering angle misalignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can adjust the steering column angle to compensate for misalignment, and it can also serve as part of the overall steering control mechanism. The electric motor and reduction gear are integrated into the existing hydraulic steering unit structure, allowing a single component to serve both adjustment and structural support roles
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device uses relatively simple and inexpensive components such as an electric motor, reduction gear, and sensors that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes functional reliability and ease of maintenance over long-term durability of individual components, allowing for cost-effective correction of steering alignment issues
3Ease of manufacture
If axial-symmetrical steering wheels are used in tractors, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but it becomes difficult to locate a definite starting position and ensure unique angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly introduces an asymmetric reference system through its angular adjustment mechanism. By providing a defined zero position or reference mark on the adjustment assembly that corresponds to a specific steering column angle, the system creates a unique starting position despite the symmetric nature of the steering wheel itself
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on mechanical features of the steering wheel itself to define the starting position, the system uses sensors and electronic control to detect and establish the angular position. The adjustment device can electronically set and maintain a defined starting position without requiring asymmetric mechanical features on the steering wheel
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 adjustment assembly ensures precise alignment between the steering column and wheel angles, maintaining vehicle control and enhancing steering reactivity, particularly beneficial for compact tractors working in tight spaces, by integrating seamlessly with existing hydraulic systems without replacing hydraulic components.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment assembly (1) comprises an epicycloidal device (20) having an input (I1), an output (O) and a controllable angular position
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment device (10) comprising an electric motor (100)
Data Source
AI summary
The adjustment assembly of a hydraulic steering system of a vehicle is provided. The adjustment assembly can be positioned between the steering column and the hydraulic steering unit of the system, to adjust the mutual angular position between the rotation angle of the steering column (α) and the effective steering angle at the wheels (β). The adjustment assembly includes an adjustment device including an electric motor and an electronic command unit controlling its actuation; an epicycloidal device including a satellite-carrying member operatively connected to the steering column; at least one satellite gear supported and guided in rotation by the satellite-carrying member; a first solar gear operatively connected to the hydraulic steering unit and to the at least one satellite gear; and a second solar gear operatively connected to the adjustment device and to the first solar gear to control the angular position and/or the rotation of the first solar gear.