Servo Energy Generator Drive Train Integration for Emergency Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically operated mobile work machines face challenges in meeting normative requirements for emergency steering properties due to the lack of hydraulic fluid delivery when the main servo energy supply fails, leading to inadequate steering support, especially at higher machine tonnages.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a servo energy generator, such as a hydraulic pump or electric generator, directly into the rigid drive train that transmits drive forces to the wheels, ensuring continuous support of the power steering system until the vehicle stops, with options for adjustable displacement and direction control to optimize energy delivery based on driving speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the servo energy generator is connected to the internal combustion engine, then steering assistance is provided during normal operation, but steering assistance fails when the engine stops rotating
Solution Approach 1:
The servo energy generator is designed to serve multiple functions by being connected to both the internal combustion engine for normal operation and the drive train for emergency operation. This multi-functionality ensures that the same component can provide steering assistance in both normal and emergency conditions, eliminating the need for separate emergency steering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo energy generator is preliminarily connected to the drive train through a decoupling mechanism that remains ready but disengaged during normal operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when emergency conditions occur, the connection is already in place or can be quickly activated, providing immediate steering assistance without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the servo energy generator is connected to the drive train, then emergency steering support is provided when the vehicle is moving, but energy is consumed during normal operation when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the servo energy generator and the drive train is made dynamic rather than fixed. A decoupling mechanism allows the system to engage or disengage the connection based on operational needs. During normal operation, the decoupling mechanism disconnects the servo energy generator from the drive train to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, while during emergency conditions, the connection is activated to provide steering support.
3Reliability
If a higher gear ratio is used in the steering gear, then emergency steering properties are met without assistance, but steering travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the purely mechanical solution of using a higher gear ratio with a hybrid system that combines mechanical steering gear with a hydraulically assisted servo energy generator. This substitution allows the system to meet emergency steering properties through active hydraulic assistance rather than passive mechanical gear ratio changes, thereby avoiding the penalty of increased steering travel while still ensuring emergency steering capability.
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 solution provides reliable emergency steering support by ensuring the servo energy generator operates in conjunction with the drive train, maintaining sufficient steering energy even during failures of the main supply, meeting normative requirements and optimizing energy usage by switching to the drive train at higher speeds.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic pump integrated into a mechanical drive train as a servo energy generator for steering assistance
Data Source
AI summary
A device for steering a wheel-driven mobile working machine is described, comprising a drive train (1) for propelling the working machine and a hydraulic steering system, in particular a power steering system (2), which has at least one servo energy generator (3) connected to a drive and connected to a power steering transmission (4) for supplying steering force energy. To create advantageous emergency steering conditions, it is proposed that at least one servo energy generator (3) be connected to the rigid (gearless) drive train (1) that transmits the driving forces to the wheels.