Hydrostatic Steering Unit With Switchable Dual Dosing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering apparatuses for vehicles, particularly agricultural and heavy-duty vehicles, struggle to provide both responsive and non-responsive driving modes efficiently, leading to slow and tiring maneuvers in confined spaces and instability on rough terrain.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a hydraulic steering actuator, a hydrostatic steering unit, and dual dosing devices, controlled by solenoid valves, allows for adjustable hydraulic fluid supply based on steering shaft rotation, enabling both reactive and non-reactive driving modes, enhancing maneuverability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single dosing device is used with small displacement to ensure stability on road, then steering response is moderate, but maneuvering in confined spaces becomes slow and tiring
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different dosing devices based on operating conditions. A first dosing device with small displacement is used for stable road driving, while a second dosing device with large displacement is engaged for rapid maneuvering in confined spaces. The switching is controlled by a control unit that detects operational context and activates the appropriate dosing device accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit is segmented into multiple independent dosing devices (first dosing device with small displacement, second dosing device with large displacement). Each dosing device can be selectively activated based on the specific operational requirement, allowing the system to optimize performance for different scenarios without compromise.
2Productivity
If a single dosing device with large displacement is used for fast maneuvering, then productivity in confined spaces improves, but steering becomes unstable and insecure on road
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the dosing device configuration based on operating conditions. When maneuvering in confined spaces, the control unit activates the second dosing device with large displacement for rapid response. When driving on road, the system switches to the first dosing device with small displacement to maintain stability and prevent excessive steering corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing unit is divided into multiple dosing devices with different displacement characteristics. The control unit selectively engages the appropriate dosing device based on the operational context, ensuring optimal performance for both rapid maneuvering and stable road driving without relying on a single compromised design.
3Ease of operation
If the hydraulic jack remains connected to the dosing unit in neutral configuration, then responsive mode is achieved for automotive driving, but wheel movements due to external stresses cause unwanted steering shaft rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between reactive and non-reactive modes based on operating conditions. In reactive mode (for road driving), the hydraulic jack remains connected to the dosing unit, allowing wheel movements to automatically reposition the steering shaft. In non-reactive mode (for rough terrain or self-driving), the connection is disconnected, preventing unwanted steering shaft rotation from external stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the hydraulic connection state parameter between the hydraulic jack and dosing unit based on operational requirements. The control unit activates or deactivates the hydraulic connection in neutral configuration, switching the system between reactive and non-reactive modes to match the current driving conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the hydraulic jack is isolated from the dosing unit in neutral configuration, then steering shaft stability is maintained, but responsive mode is lost and driving becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the hydraulic connection between the hydraulic jack and dosing unit based on operating conditions. When stability is prioritized (rough terrain, self-driving), the connection is disconnected. When responsiveness is needed (road driving), the connection is re-established, allowing the steering system to automatically adapt to wheel movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the hydraulic connectivity parameter by activating or deactivating the connection between the hydraulic jack and dosing unit in neutral configuration. This parameter change enables the system to switch between stable and responsive modes, matching the driver's needs based on the current operational context.
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 provides faster and more direct steering in tight spaces while maintaining stability at higher speeds, significantly improving the operating capabilities of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
controlled by solenoid valves, allows for adjustable hydraulic fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic steering actuator, a hydrostatic steering unit, and dual dosing devices, controlled by solenoid valves, allows for adjustable hydraulic fluid supply
Implementation Method 3
a dosing unit, wherein the distributor comprises: an inlet port for a hydraulic fluid, an outlet port for the hydraulic fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A steering apparatus (100) for vehicles is described, comprising at least: a hydraulic steering actuator (105) and a hydrostatic steering unit (155); wherein the hydrostatic steering unit (155) comprises: a distributor (160) and a dosing unit (165); wherein the distributor (160) comprises: an inlet port (185), an outlet port (190), a first and a second connection port (195, 200), a first and a second service port (205, 210), and a movable intercept member (295), actuatable by a steering shaft (175), which is adapted to assume a neutral configuration, wherein it connects each of said first and second service ports (205, 210) with one of said first and second connection ports (195, 200); wherein the steering apparatus (100) further comprises: first valve means (235), for example a first solenoid valve, actuatable between a first operating configuration, wherein they separate said first and second connection ports (195, 200) from said hydraulic steering actuator (105), and a second operating configuration, wherein they connect said first and second connection ports (195, 200) with said hydraulic steering actuator (105); and wherein the dosing unit (165) comprises at least two dosing devices (300, 305), both actuatable by the steering shaft (175), of which: a first dosing device (300) connected between the first and second service ports (205, 210), and a second dosing device (305) associated with second valve means (330) actuatable, preferably by means of a second solenoid valve (375), between a first operating configuration, wherein they separate said second dosing device (305) from the service ports (205, 210), and a second operating configuration, wherein they connect said second dosing device (305) in parallel with the first dosing device (300).