Soil Processing Machine Steering-Speed Control for Tipping Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil processing machines face inefficiencies and reduced operational reliability due to speed-dependent steering limitations, which can lead to tipping over and uneven soil compaction, especially at high driving speeds.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes the extent of steering as a reference variable to determine the maximum permissible driving speed, allowing the machine to be steered to its maximum extent independently of speed, with adjustments made through a steering-driving speed relationship to maintain stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the maximum steering angle is reduced at high driving speeds to prevent tipping, then operational safety is improved, but the machine cannot reach all processing areas in a single pass, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the steering control system adaptive to changing operating conditions. The control unit dynamically adjusts the maximum steering angle based on real-time detection of driving speed, transitioning from a static speed-dependent limitation to a dynamic condition-based control. This allows the machine to optimize its steering capability continuously according to actual operational parameters, resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reference parameter from driving speed to extent of steering in the control logic. Instead of limiting steering angle based on speed thresholds, the system now detects actual steering extent and adjusts maximum steering angle accordingly. This parameter transformation enables the machine to maintain full steering capability when needed while automatically reducing it only when stability conditions require, thereby eliminating the trade-off between safety and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the steering angle is limited at high speeds, then the risk of tipping over is reduced, but the machine requires multiple additional passes to cover the same area, increasing operation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetipping preventionVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting the actual steering extent and independently adjusting the maximum steering angle without external intervention. The control unit monitors steering conditions and autonomously optimizes steering limitations, eliminating the need for manual speed-based restrictions. This self-regulating mechanism ensures continuous optimal performance, reducing operation time while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously detecting the actual steering extent and using this information to adjust the maximum steering angle in real-time. The control unit receives feedback from steering position sensors and dynamically modifies steering limitations based on current operational state. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the time loss associated with conservative speed-based steering limits, as the system only applies limitations when actually needed for stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If speed-dependent steering limitations are applied, then stability during cornering is improved, but the machine cannot utilize its full steering capability, reducing maneuverability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecornering stabilityVSAvoidsteering capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the extent of steering-driving speed relationship that defines maximum permissible speeds for different steering extents. The control unit is programmed with this relationship beforehand, allowing it to immediately detect actual steering extent and apply appropriate limitations without delay. This preliminary configuration enables the system to maintain full steering capability when conditions permit while automatically enforcing stability limitations only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static speed-based steering limits to dynamic extent-of-steering-based control. The maximum steering angle is no longer fixed by speed thresholds but dynamically adjusted based on actual steering extent detection. This dynamic approach preserves full steering capability during low-speed operations while automatically reducing limitations only when stability becomes concerns, thereby maintaining both cornering stability and steering versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12473026B2Method for operating a soil processing machine
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 HAMM AG
  • US12473026B2 patent drawing
  • US12473026B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a soil processing machine includes a) providing an extent of steering-driving speed relationship reflecting a maximum permissible driving speed of the soil processing machine as a function of the extent of steering, b) detecting an actual extent of steering of the soil processing machine, c) setting a driving speed of the soil processing machine in such a way that the driving speed does not exceed the maximum permissible driving speed assigned to the actual extent of steering in accordance with the extent of steering-driving speed relationship provided in measure a).