Hydraulic Steering Mode Switching via Pressure Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering systems for vehicles are not reliably able to switch from automatic to manual steering, as sensor-based solutions are unreliable and increase installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic steering system that includes a switching valve actuated by pressure from the manual steering section, which interrupts the hydraulic fluid supply to the steering valve, connecting the high pressure port to the low pressure port to equalize pressures and prevent hydraulic fluid flow, allowing exclusive manual steering operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor on the steering wheel is used to detect manual steering input, then the switching from automatic to manual steering can be detected, but the reliability is reduced and installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a separate sensor component and integrates it directly into the manual steering section's hydraulic mechanism. The manual steering section itself generates the detection signal through hydraulic pressure changes when the steering wheel is turned, eliminating the need for an external sensor on the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching valve as an intermediary component that responds to hydraulic pressure from the manual steering section. This switching valve mediates between the manual steering input and the automatic steering control, automatically transitioning the system from automatic to manual mode without requiring direct sensor detection.
2Reliability
If a sensor on the steering wheel is used to detect manual steering input, then the switching from automatic to manual steering can be detected, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive sensor component from the steering wheel assembly and replaces it with a hydraulic pressure-based detection mechanism that is already inherent in the manual steering section, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual steering section serves dual functions: it provides manual steering control and simultaneously generates the hydraulic pressure signal needed to detect manual input and trigger mode switching. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection components, reducing overall system cost.
3Extent of automation
If the steering valve is actuated automatically in GPS-controlled mode, then precise automatic steering is achieved, but the driver cannot quickly take over in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic switching mechanism that automatically transitions between automatic and manual steering modes based on real-time driver input. The switching valve responds dynamically to hydraulic pressure changes, allowing the system to adapt its control mode instantly when the driver turns the steering wheel, ensuring both automation and rapid takeover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the manual steering section continuously monitors driver input through hydraulic pressure and provides immediate feedback to the switching valve. This feedback loop ensures that when the driver attempts to take over by turning the steering wheel, the system automatically transitions to manual mode, prioritizing driver control in emergency situations.
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
Ensures reliable switching from automatic to manual steering by cutting off hydraulic fluid supply to the steering valve, preventing pressure differences and allowing safe manual operation, reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure is automatically generated. This pressure is necessary to actuate a steering motor which is connected to the working ports
Implementation Method 2
The high pressure driving port of the hydraulic driving arrangement is connected to the low pressure port which leads to the situation that the high pressure driving port and the low pressure driving port of the hydraulic driving arrangement are basically on the same pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic steering (1) is disclosed comprising a high pressure port (P), a low pressure port (T), two working ports (CL, CR), a manual steering section (3), and a steering valve section having a steering valve 5 and a hydraulic driving arrangement (6) adjusting hydraulically a position of said steering valve. A change from automatic steering to manual steering should be reliably ensured when the manual steering section is directly influenced by a driver. To this end, a switching valve (11) is provided, which is actuatable between a first position in which said driving arrangement (6) is supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure, and a second position in which a supply of hydraulic fluid to said driving arrangement (6) is interrupted, wherein said switching valve (11) is hydraulically actuated into said second position by a pressure generated upon actuating of said manual steering section (3).