Steering Axle Locking Mechanism for Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering axles used in vehicles face complexity in control when transitioning from forced steering to self-steering during reversing, particularly in trailer axles, as existing solutions rely on pressure-based control rather than volume-based control, making it difficult to achieve a simple locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Mechanical limitation of the axial movement of the push and pull rods within the hydraulic cylinder to block movement in one direction, allowing locking in both directions by flooding the pressure chamber, enabling a simple technical means to lock the steering axle in a neutral position during reversing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volume-based control is used to achieve locking during reversing, then the steering axle can be locked in a neutral position, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex volume-based control mechanisms with a simpler pressure-based hydraulic system. By using the hydraulic cylinder's pressure chambers to mechanically limit the axial movement of push and pull rods, the system achieves reliable locking during reversing without requiring complex control electronics or sensors to monitor and regulate volume flows.
2Ease of operation
If pressure-based control is used for steering, then the steering axle can be controlled efficiently, but the control becomes difficult when transitioning to self-steering during reversing
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides pressure-based steering control during normal operation and simultaneously enables self-steering locking during reversing. The same pressure chambers and piston mechanism used for steering also facilitate the locking function by mechanically limiting rod movement, making the system adaptable to both forced steering and self-steering modes without requiring separate control systems.
3Reliability
If the push and pull rods are mechanically limited in axial movement, then locking is achieved in both directions, but the hydraulic cylinder structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder's own structural components (piston, pressure chambers, and rod) are utilized to achieve the locking function. The piston's movement within the pressure chambers naturally limits the axial movement of the push and pull rods through hydraulic pressure and mechanical contact, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or additional structural elements.
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 allows for straightforward implementation of a reversing lock without increasing control complexity, enabling the steering axle to function both as a forced steering axle and a self-steering axle with a simple valve-switching mechanism, ensuring the vehicle wheels remain aligned during reversing.
Implementation Method 1
the hydraulic cylinder is provided with pressure connections on its cylinder housing and on its end caps for the supply of hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
the piston with piston rods leading out of the hydraulic cylinder on both sides... creating two pressure chambers that are separated by the piston of the hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A steering axle is proposed with steering knuckles pivotally mounted at both ends of an axle body (1), each knuckle having a wheel carrier for a vehicle wheel, with a one- or multi-part push-pull linkage (10) connecting the steering knuckles by a pivot, and with a hydraulic cylinder (15) fixed at least longitudinally relative to the axle body (1) for actuating the push-pull linkage (10). The interior (20) of the hydraulic cylinder (15) accommodates a longitudinal section (11) of the push-pull linkage, which consists of a piston (16) dividing the interior (20) into two pressure chambers (A1, A2) with piston rods (17A, 17B) extending from the hydraulic cylinder (15) on both sides. In order to be able to use such a steering axle both as a forced steering axle and, for example,To enable locking in a neutral position for reverse travel, a longitudinally movable stop element (30) is arranged in the interior (20) between two end positions. In one of its end positions, the stop element (30) blocks the longitudinal section (11) of the push-pull linkage (10) on one side in a position where the push-pull linkage (10) assumes a neutral central position.