Hydraulic Steering Device for Self-Propelled Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices for self-propelled vehicles, particularly those with steerable rear wheels and controllable front wheels, are complex and require high force for steering, making them difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering device using a hydraulic cylinder to actuate steerable rear wheels, with a transmission system that directly transmits the steering angle to control devices for drive wheels, and a cam track element for mechanical translation of control variables, allowing for easy control of both rear and front wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical steering system with gear wheels and steering rods is used to steer front wheels, then the steering control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and high force is required for steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering system (gear wheels, steering rods) with a hydraulic steering system. A hydraulic cylinder actuates the steerable rear wheels, converting mechanical steering input into hydraulic motion. This substitution reduces the force required for steering while simplifying the overall system architecture by eliminating complex mechanical transmission components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic cylinder as the actuating mechanism for the steerable rear wheels. The hydraulic system provides mechanical advantage, enabling easy actuation with reduced force input. The hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently from the steering input to the rear wheels, replacing the need for complex mechanical gear systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex steering system with multiple control devices is used to control both front and rear wheels, then comprehensive wheel control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for front and rear wheels into a unified steering system. The hydraulic cylinder that actuates the rear wheels is integrated with the existing front wheel steering mechanism through a common control input. This merging allows comprehensive control of all wheels while reducing the number of separate control devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is designed with universal control capability, where a single steering input simultaneously controls both the steerable rear wheels via the hydraulic cylinder and the driven front wheels through the existing mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one steering system to handle all wheel steering requirements without requiring separate control systems for each wheel set.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical transmission is used to transmit steering angle to control devices, then control is achieved, but the transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angle transmission mechanisms with a simplified direct mechanical linkage. The steering angle is transmitted directly from the steering input through a straightforward mechanical connection to the control devices, eliminating the need for intermediate gear transmissions or complex angular conversion mechanisms. This direct transmission reduces both complexity and potential points of failure.
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 solution enables easy actuation and precise control of steering angles, reducing complexity and force required for steering, allowing for efficient control of both steerable rear and driven front wheels, facilitating straightforward navigation through straight paths and turns.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder (15) is assigned to the joint arrangement (14) of the joints (8) of the rear wheels (6) in order to move the rear wheels (6) for steering
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The device (19) has a steering wheel controlling a hydraulic cylinder (15) that is attached to rear wheels (6). A control valve (17) and a control device (18) are attached to front wheels (4). The valve and the control device are actuated via a swivelable lever (27), tilting lever (32), control element (38) and control rods (42) by steering impact of the rear wheels. A curve path element (40) is attached to the control element such that the path element co-acts with the tilting lever. The path element is designed as a groove type recess that is arranged in the control element.