Steering Assembly Kinematic Synchronization for Works Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assemblies for self-propelled works vehicles, particularly those with medium- and large-capacity axles, face challenges in synchronizing steered wheels effectively at steering angles greater than 90°, leading to complex tuning and reliability issues, especially on public roads.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly featuring a kinematic system with cranks, a slider, and linkages that ensures optimal synchronization of steered wheels by connecting them through a unique mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for complex encoder-based solutions, and allowing reliable operation even at high steering angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If encoder-based synchronization control is used, then steering angle measurement capability is improved, but system complexity and tuning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic encoder-based synchronization system with a purely mechanical linkage system. The coupling rod physically connects the two steering knuckles, ensuring synchronized wheel movement through mechanical constraint rather than electronic control and software processing. This eliminates encoders, sensors, and complex control algorithms while maintaining steering angle coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system is self-regulating and requires no external control systems. The coupling rod automatically maintains synchronization between wheels through its physical connection, eliminating the need for software tuning, calibration, or active control algorithms that characterize encoder-based systems.
2Device complexity
If simple bar coupling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but steering angle capability deteriorates for angles greater than 90°
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is designed with rotational joints at both ends that allow dynamic adaptation to varying steering angles. Unlike a rigid fixed bar, the coupling rod can rotate and pivot to accommodate steering angles exceeding 90°, maintaining mechanical connection while adapting to the changing geometry of large-angle steering maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the coupling rod's orientation and angular position to change dynamically as steering angle varies. The mechanical linkage geometry adapts to different steering configurations, enabling effective synchronization across a wide range of steering angles from zero to greater than 90° through parameter variation rather than fixed geometry.
3Ease of operation
If encoder-based synchronization is implemented, then steering control capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates for public road circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic control system with a passive mechanical linkage that provides inherent reliability through physical constraint. The coupling rod ensures wheel synchronization through mechanical connection rather than electronic signals, eliminating vulnerabilities to software failures, sensor errors, and electrical system issues that affect encoder-based systems during public road operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex tuning procedures are used, then synchronization precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system achieves synchronization through its inherent mechanical design rather than requiring post-assembly tuning or calibration procedures. The coupling rod's geometry and mounting configuration provide automatic synchronization, eliminating complex tuning steps and simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining precise wheel coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering assembly for self-propelled works vehicles, which comprises: - an axle (2) which can be connected to a chassis of a self-propelled works vehicle (100), - a pair of steered wheels (3), which are coupled to the axle (2) with the possibility to rotate about the longitudinal axis (A) of the axle (2) and about respective steering axes (B) which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A), - means (4) for the movement of the wheels (3), which are configured for the mutually independent actuation of the rotation of each wheel (3) about the respective steering axis (B), - an apparatus (5) for the synchronization of the rotation of the wheels (3) about the respective steering axes (B). The apparatus (5) comprises: - two cranks (6) which rotate integrally with respective wheels (3) about the corresponding steering axes (B), - a slider (7) which can move slidingly along a guiding track (8), applied to the axle (2), - two linkages (9), which are interposed between the slider (7) and respective cranks (6).