Motor Grader Front-Wheel Speed Control for Turning Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing work machines, such as motor graders, face issues with loss of traction from front wheels during turns, and the measurement devices installed near the wheels are susceptible to failure due to environmental factors like soil.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with speed sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to measure moving speed and turning angular velocity, respectively, which are used by a controller to independently control the rotation speed of each front wheel, thereby preventing traction loss and minimizing the impact of environmental factors on measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a steering angle sensor is installed in the vicinity of the front wheels to measure turning angle, then the measurement can be obtained, but the sensor is susceptible to failure due to soil and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the wheel vicinity environment by using a steering angle sensor installed in the cab instead of near the front wheels. This removes the sensor from the harmful environment (soil, dust, moisture) while still obtaining the necessary steering angle measurement through alternative positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by measuring steering angle through the steering operation mechanism (steering shaft, steering gear) rather than directly at the wheels. This intermediary measurement point is protected from environmental factors while still providing accurate steering angle data through mechanical linkage
2Ease of operation
If the work machine turns, then the front wheels can navigate the turn, but loss of traction from the front wheels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic speed adjustment to the front wheels during turning operations. The controller independently controls the rotation speed of each front wheel based on real-time steering angle and vehicle speed data, allowing the wheels to adapt their speed dynamically during turns to maintain optimal traction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements independent speed control for each front wheel (right and left wheels can have different speeds). This local quality control allows each wheel to optimize its own traction conditions based on its specific position and loading during turning, rather than forcing both wheels to rotate at the same speed
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 effectively suppresses loss of traction from front wheels and ensures the measurement devices are not affected by environmental conditions, enabling reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a speed sensor; The speed sensor measures a moving speed of the work machine
Implementation Method 2
a measurement device; The measurement device measures a turning angular velocity acting on the work machine during movement of the work machine
Data Source
AI summary
A controller controls a first drive source and a second drive source based on a moving speed of a motor grader measured by a speed sensor and a turning angular velocity of the motor grader measured by an IMU, to thereby independently control a rotation speed of each of a right front wheel and a left front wheel.