Rear Wheel Steering Cable System for Lawn Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn care vehicles with rear wheel steering face challenges in space efficiency and component complexity, particularly in the design and implementation of steering assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A steering system utilizing a cable system that runs along a single side of the vehicle, comprising a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels via a pulley assembly, reducing space consumption and component count by translating motion from the steering wheel to the rear wheels through a cable and pulley mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional steering assemblies with separate cables for each side are used, then steering functionality is achieved, but space consumption and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple steering cable functions into a single integrated cable system. The first and second cable portions are merged into one continuous cable that runs along a single side of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate cables on each side. This merging reduces component count while maintaining the ability to steer both rear wheels through the integrated cable-pulley-steering disc mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated cable serves multiple functions: it controls both the left and right rear wheels through the pulley assembly and steering discs. The cable system is designed to provide universal steering control for all rear wheels from a single cable, reducing the overall component count while maintaining full steering functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If cables are run along both sides of the vehicle, then steering control is achieved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-sided cable arrangement to a single-sided cable configuration by utilizing the vertical and longitudinal dimensions more efficiently. The cable runs along one side of the vehicle, using the available space in a different dimensional arrangement, thereby reducing the horizontal space required while maintaining full steering control through the pulley and steering disc mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If multiple separate steering components are used, then steering precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the cable is integrated, the system is segmented into functional modules: the cable system, pulley assembly, steering discs, and linkages. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for simplified design and assembly while maintaining steering precision. The segmentation enables easier manufacturing and maintenance without compromising the overall steering control accuracy.
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
This configuration enhances space efficiency and simplifies the design of lawn care vehicles, allowing for more compact and efficient production while maintaining effective steering functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The pulley assembly may be configured such that each pulley of the pulley assembly handles both the first cable portion and the second cable portion as the first cable portion and the second cable portion are conveyed from the steering column pulley to the steering disc
Data Source
AI summary
A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame and a steering assembly. Wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a steering wheel operably coupled to rear wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle via a cable system. The cable system may include a first cable portion, a second cable portion and a pulley assembly. The first and second cable portions may each contact a steering column pulley at respective first ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering column pulley may be configured to pull a corresponding one of the first cable portion or the second cable portion based on a direction of rotation of the steering wheel. The first and second cable portions may each be in operable communication with a steering disc at respective second ends of the first and second cable portions. The steering disc may provide translation of movement of the first cable portion and the second cable portion into corresponding movement of the rear wheels. The pulley assembly may be configured such that each pulley of the pulley assembly handles both the first cable portion and the second cable portion as the first cable portion and the second cable portion are conveyed from the steering column pulley to the steering disc to translate motion of the steering column pulley to the steering disc.