Articulated Wheel Loader Steering Brake Pivot Control

The patent applies dynamics by making the braking action dynamic rather than static. The control unit dynamically selects which wheel to brake based on real-time detection of the steering angle and the current state of the wheel loader. The system dynamically adjusts the braking force and selects the appropriate wheel (front or rear) based on the detected angle α, transforming the steering brake function from a fixed mechanism to an adaptive control system that optimizes turning performance during operation.

The patent changes the parameter of wheel speed to zero for the selected wheel during cornering, while maintaining non-zero speed for the other wheel. This parameter change (reducing speed to zero) transforms the wheel from a rolling contact to a pivot point, fundamentally changing the steering mechanism from conventional differential steering to pivot-point steering, thereby reducing the turning radius and improving re-positioning time.

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the steering angle through the angle sensor and autonomously determining which wheel should be braked without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The control unit self-regulates the braking process based on the detected angle α, comparing it against threshold values (α MAX and α MIN) to automatically select the appropriate wheel and apply braking force, thereby reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms.

The patent implements feedback by using the angle sensor to continuously monitor the steering angle α and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected angle with predetermined thresholds (α MAX and α MIN) and adjusts the braking action accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adapt to different steering conditions, reducing the need for complex control logic while maintaining optimal turning performance.