Rearward-Facing Creep Steering Actuator for Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicle operators face discomfort, imprecision, and safety issues when attempting to steer the vehicle while using the creep-to-reposition function from a rearward-facing position, as they must reach behind the seat to turn the steering wheel, compromising control and safety.
Innovation Solution
A creep steering control system with a pivotable actuator allows operators to steer the vehicle comfortably, precisely, and safely from a rearward-facing position, using a joystick or similar actuator that provides steering commands through electronic or mechanical linkages, integrated with creep direction and speed controls, enabling precise control of the steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator reaches behind the rearward-facing seat to turn the steering wheel, then the vehicle can be steered from the rearward-facing position, but the operation becomes uncomfortable, imprecise and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering control function with the creep-to-reposition control into a single integrated system. The pivotable actuator serves dual purposes: controlling both vehicle speed (creep function) and steering direction, allowing the operator to perform both functions from the rearward-facing position without reaching behind the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pivotable actuator as an intermediary device between the operator and the vehicle's steering and speed control systems. This actuator translates the operator's inputs into coordinated steering and creep speed commands, providing precise and safe control from the rearward-facing position.
2Productivity
If the operator uses a mechanical or electronic control arrangement for creep speed, then the ground speed can be controlled, but the steering control becomes difficult to access from the rearward-facing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering control and creep speed control into a single integrated system operated from the rearward-facing position. The pivotable actuator provides unified control for both functions, eliminating the need for separate controls that would be difficult to access.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable actuator serves multiple functions: it controls both the creep speed and steering direction of the vehicle. This multi-functional design allows the operator to perform both steering and speed control from the rearward-facing position without requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator simultaneously operates the creep speed control and steering wheel, then both functions can be performed, but the operator comfort and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable actuator serves as an intermediary that coordinates both steering and creep speed control inputs. It translates the operator's single-handed operation into precise, coordinated commands for both steering direction and vehicle speed, maintaining high precision for both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering wheel operation with an electronically controlled pivotable actuator system. This substitution allows for more precise control through electronic signaling and coordination, enabling simultaneous accurate control of both steering and creep speed from the rearward-facing position.
Data Source
AI summary
A creep steering control system for a utility vehicle is operable from a rearward-facing position. The creep steering control system includes a pivotable actuator alongside a rearward-facing seat that provides electronic output based on the position of the actuator. A linkage is provided between the pivotable actuator and steering wheel behind the seat.