Hydrostatic Steering Control for Fewer Rotations and Better Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering arrangements for vehicles, especially those with hydrostatic steering units, lack versatility and effective driving feedback, particularly in varying operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering arrangement with a hydrostatic steering unit, an electrically actuated flow-rate regulating device, and an electronic control unit that adjusts the flow rate and motor torque based on vehicle operating conditions, providing optimal driving feedback and comfort through adaptive management algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydrostatic steering unit with dosing device is used, then steering control is achieved, but the number of steering shaft rotations required is excessive and driving feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
An electric motor is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering shaft and the dosing device. The motor amplifies the steering input by providing additional rotational force, thereby reducing the number of steering shaft rotations needed to achieve the same steering angle while improving driving feedback through controlled torque delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate through the amplification branch based on operating conditions. By varying the flow rate regulating valve position, the system optimizes the balance between mechanical steering input and hydraulic assistance, adapting to different steering scenarios to minimize rotations while maintaining appropriate feedback.
2Productivity
If flow rate through amplification branch is increased, then steering angles are amplified, but driving feedback and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate regulating valve dynamically adjusts the hydraulic flow through the amplification branch based on real-time operating conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to amplify steering angles when needed while maintaining precision by reducing amplification when precise control is required, optimizing both productivity and measurement precision across different operating scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If steering arrangement is designed for field driving, then it lacks versatility for different operating conditions, but modifying for versatility increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit implements multiple management algorithms that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions (field driving, road driving, autonomous mode). This software-based multi-functionality allows a single hardware configuration to adapt to various operating scenarios without increasing mechanical complexity, achieving versatility through intelligent control rather than additional components.
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 enhances driving precision and comfort by reducing steering shaft rotations, improving haptic feedback, and increasing safety by automating steering adjustments, ensuring the steering wheel remains aligned with the steered wheels, even in autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to set the steering shaft in rotation
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic steering actuator cylinder actuated by pressurized fluid coming from a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A steering arrangement for a vehicle includes:a hydrostatic steering unit provided with two work ports, a high-pressure port, a low-pressure port, a main branch of the flow arranged between the work ports and the high-pressure port and comprising a dosing device, and an amplification branch arranged between the work ports and the high-pressure port, in parallel with the dosing device, and comprising a flow-rate regulating device of the electrically actuated type,a steering shaft provided with a first end adapted for being connected to a steering member and a second end adapted for being connected to the hydrostatic steering unit,an electric motor configured to set the steering shaft in rotation, andan electronic control unit configured to actuate the flow-rate regulating device as a function of a parameter indicative of an operating condition of the vehicle.