Wheel Loader Steering Joystick Base Stabilization Against Backlash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices in articulated work machines suffer from backlash in transmission mechanisms, leading to looseness and deteriorated operation feeling due to the base member's rotational movement, which is not aligned with the intended steering angle.
Innovation Solution
A steering device comprising a support section, movable section, operating member, and urging mechanism, which adjusts the movement of the movable section relative to the support section, using a spring member to counteract looseness and improve operation feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transmission mechanism is used to transmit steering angle, then the steering angle can be changed, but backlash occurs in the gear or intermediate shaft causing the base member to be movable in the rotational direction which deteriorates the operation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The urging mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the base member in the rotational direction before backlash can occur. This preliminary action prevents the base member from moving due to backlash during steering operations, thereby improving operation feeling while maintaining reliable steering angle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging mechanism changes the physical state of the base member by applying continuous urging force, transforming it from a movable state (prone to backlash) to a restrained state. This parameter change in the base member's mechanical state eliminates the harmful effects of backlash without compromising the transmission mechanism's functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base member is rotatably supported to allow rotational movement, then steering angle can be adjusted, but the base member becomes movable in rotational direction causing looseness
Solution Approach 1:
The urging mechanism introduces a dynamic balancing force that adapts to the base member's rotational movements. The mechanism maintains the base member's rotational adaptability for steering angle adjustment while dynamically counteracting any unwanted movements caused by backlash, thereby preserving positional stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging mechanism acts as a counterbalancing system that applies opposing force to the base member's rotational movements. This counteracting force neutralizes the harmful effects of backlash and unwanted rotational movements, maintaining the base member's positional stability while preserving its ability to rotate for steering adjustment.
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 the operation feeling by stabilizing the base member's position, reducing looseness, and providing a more precise and responsive steering experience.
Implementation Method 1
an urging mechanism (50) which adjusts a movement of the movable section (40) with respect to the support section (42)... a spring member to counteract looseness
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel loader (1) includes a vehicle body frame (2), a transmission mechanism (10), a support section (42), a movable section (40), a joystick lever (41), and an urging mechanism (50). The transmission mechanism (10) transmits a movement of the vehicle body frame 2. The support section (42) is fixed with respect to the vehicle body frame (2). The movable section (40) is connected to the transmission mechanism (10) and is movably supported by the support section (42). The movement of the vehicle body frame (2) is input to the movable section (40). The joystick lever (41) accepts an operation to move with respect to the movable section (40) by the operation. The urging mechanism (50) adjusts a movement of the movable section (40) with respect to the support section (42).