Work Vehicle Steering Angle Feedback for Four-Wheel Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles require manual switching between two-wheel steering mode and counter-phase four-wheel steering mode, leading to reduced operability during steering when a change in turning radius is desired.
Innovation Solution
A steering control apparatus that automatically switches between steering modes based on detected steering angles, actuating only one set of wheels when angles are below a threshold and the opposite set when angles exceed the threshold, using a steering actuator and angle detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching between two-wheel steering mode and counter-phase four-wheel steering mode is performed using a selector switch, then the vehicle can change steering modes, but the operability during steering is reduced because the operator must interrupt steering operations to switch modes
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control apparatus automatically detects steering angles via the steering angle detector and switches between two-wheel steering mode and counter-phase four-wheel steering mode without operator intervention. The control device monitors steering angle thresholds and autonomously actuates the appropriate wheel sets, eliminating the need for manual mode switching during steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering angle detector provides real-time feedback on the steering angles of front and rear wheels to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically determines which steering mode to activate (two-wheel or counter-phase four-wheel) and adjusts the steering actuator accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to steering operations dynamically.
2Reliability
If the operator interrupts steering to operate a selector switch for mode switching, then the correct steering mode can be selected, but the steering operation is delayed and operability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control apparatus is pre-configured with steering angle threshold values and automatically activates the appropriate steering mode based on real-time angle detection. The system performs mode selection in advance of any potential interruption, continuously monitoring steering angles and readying the steering actuator to respond immediately to steering inputs without requiring operator pause or intervention.
3Length of moving object
If counter-phase four-wheel steering mode is used to reduce turning radius, then the vehicle can perform tight turns, but the complexity of steering control increases compared to two-wheel steering mode
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control apparatus dynamically switches between two-wheel steering mode and counter-phase four-wheel steering mode based on real-time steering angle detection. The system adapts the steering configuration to the current operating conditions, activating four-wheel steering when small turning radii are required and two-wheel steering for normal operations, thereby optimizing performance without requiring the operator to manually manage complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle steering control apparatus comprises a vehicle body (11), front wheels and rear wheels both of which can be steered respectively; a front-wheel steering cylinder (92) and a rear-wheel steering cylinder (94); a steering dial (72); a steering actuation controller (50); and a steering angle detector. The steering actuation controller (50) is configured in a manner such that when a steering operation is performed, and when the steering angles of one set of wheels are less than a predetermined angle (θ1), the controller (50) controls the steering actuator to steer only the one set of wheels in response to the directional-change steering operation. When the steering angles of the one set of wheels are equal to or more than the predetermined angle, the controller (50) controls the steering actuator to steer the other set of wheels in a direction opposite to steering direction.