Hydraulic Self-Steering Wheel Control for Reverse Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current self-steering systems in grain carts are inefficient when reversing, as they lack automatic control over steering, leading to unpredictable movement and potential damage, and require manual operation, which can cause increased stress on structural components and tire wear.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus with a valve arrangement and auxiliary circuit that allows for automatic locking or unlocking of self-steering wheels based on speed and direction, independent of the towing vehicle's hydraulic circuit, using a controller and sensors to manage steering states and isolate the trailing vehicle's steering system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual control of steering lock/unlock is used, then operator control is maintained, but operator errors increase and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering control reliabilityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system automatically locks or unlocks based on detected travel direction without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect reverse travel and automatically actuating the steering lock, eliminating manual operation errors while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If self-steering wheels are unlocked during reverse travel, then steering freedom is maintained, but unpredictable movement and damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering freedomVSAvoidunpredictable movement and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The steering system dynamically changes its state based on operating conditions. During forward travel, the steering remains unlocked to allow self-steering and adaptability. During reverse travel, the system automatically locks the steering to prevent harmful unpredictable movement, thus adapting the steering freedom to the specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If self-steering wheels are locked during forward travel, then steering control is maintained, but structural stress and tire wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering controlVSAvoidstructural component stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The steering lock status dynamically changes based on travel direction. During forward travel, the steering remains unlocked allowing natural self-steering, which reduces structural stress and tire wear. During reverse travel, the steering automatically locks to maintain control. This dynamic adaptation eliminates unnecessary structural stress while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic circuit is connected to towing vehicle, then steering control is available, but independence from towing vehicle is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering mode independenceVSAvoidhydraulic circuit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is segmented into separate functional circuits. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is self-contained on the trailing vehicle with its own pump and control components, independent of the towing vehicle's hydraulic system. This segmentation allows the steering system to operate independently while maintaining the ability to connect to the towing vehicle's hydraulic circuit when needed, thus achieving both independence and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables automatic and precise control of self-steering wheels, reducing operator input errors, minimizing structural stress, tire wear, and soil damage by adapting steering modes based on real-time conditions, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic actuator have a pair of opposing fluid ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the ground forces exerted on the tire during a turn induces a steering angle in the desired direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11780494B2Control apparatus for hydraulically steered wheels of a trailing vehicle operable in locked and self steering configurations

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 ELMERS WELDING & MFG LTD

AI summary

A control apparatus controls the hydraulic connection between self steering wheels on a trailing vehicle, for example a grain cart, and the hydraulic system of a utility vehicle, for example a tractor, towing the trailing vehicle. An auxiliary circuit on the trailing vehicle forms a continuous loop receiving in series one or more wheel actuators associated with the self steering wheels. A valve arrangement is operable in a locked state or unlocked state in which the continuous loop is isolated from the tractor to prevent or allow a flow of fluid in the continuous loop regardless of the state of the tractor hydraulics. In a manual state, the flow in the loop is dependent upon the tractor hydraulics. In an automatic mode, a controller automatically operates the valve arrangement between the locked and unlocked states dependent upon one or more sensed operating conditions of the trailing vehicle.