Portable Automatic Steering Device With Adjustable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic steering devices for agricultural vehicles are costly, complex, and require fixed mechanical and electrical connections to the vehicle, making them unsuitable for easy transfer between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A portable automatic steering device with a frame, motor, and handle that can be easily attached to different steering wheels using adjustable clamping mechanisms, allowing wireless data reception and manual override, enabling easy transfer between vehicles without the need for re-wiring or re-connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automatic steering systems are used, then steering accuracy and automation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional modules: a control unit that processes guidance signals, a motor that generates rotational force, and a drive assembly with gear mechanisms that transmit motion to the steering wheel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical wiring and mechanical fixation systems with a portable device that uses a motor-driven gear mechanism. The drive assembly uses gear teeth to transmit rotational motion from the motor to the steering wheel, eliminating the need for extensive electrical connections and mechanical anchors required by traditional systems.
2Reliability
If fixed mechanical and electrical connections are used, then steering reliability is improved, but adaptability between vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static fixed connections to dynamic portable design. The steering device can be easily attached to and removed from different steering wheels without permanent modifications. The adjustable clamping mechanism allows the device to adapt to various steering wheel sizes and configurations, providing reliable operation while maintaining versatility across different vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable steering device is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple vehicle types. The adjustable clamping mechanism and standardized interface allow the same device to be used on different steering wheels from various vehicles, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific adapters and wiring configurations.
3Measurement precision
If re-wiring and re-connection are required for vehicle transfer, then steering precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical and mechanical connection requirements from the steering device, making it portable. The control unit and motor are integrated into a self-contained assembly that can be transferred between vehicles without requiring re-wiring or re-connection. The device maintains steering precision through its mechanical drive assembly while eliminating the complexity of vehicle-specific installations.
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 device provides efficient and accurate steering along predefined paths, reducing user error and costs by allowing easy installation on various vehicles, enhancing agricultural operations like fertiliser spreading and pesticide spraying.
Implementation Method 1
a motor which is operably coupled to the drive assembly
Implementation Method 2
a drive assembly; a motor which is operably coupled to the drive assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic steering device for a vehicle comprising: a frame: a handle coupled to the frame by a drive assembly: a motor; and a control module, and: wherein the handle is adapted to be held in a substantially stationary position by a user such that, in use, the drive assembly will rotate the steering wheel in accordance with a rotation command received from the control module. Also disclosed is an automatic steering system for steering a vehicle comprising: an automatic steering device: a location sensor: a guidance module which includes map data and which is adapted to define travel paths and to process location data from the location sensor by comparing the location data from the location sensor to the map data and the guidance module determines the steering instructions by comparing location data to the defined travel path: wherein the automatic steering device receives the steering instruction from the guidance module and moves the steering wheel in accordance with the steering instructions.