Steering Device for Multi-Axle Vehicles with Adjustable Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-axle vehicles with steerable wheels face challenges in maintaining a purely circular movement during bends due to mismatched steering movements, leading to sideways slipping and increased wear, particularly in modular or extendable vehicles where the distance between steerable wheels and the coupling varies, resulting in suboptimal steering behavior.
Innovation Solution
A steering device where at least one steering rod is connected to the wheel via a pivotally mounted transmission element, allowing the transmission ratio between the steering rod movement and the resulting wheel movement to be adjusted without manual repositioning, using a locking pin for setting the transmission ratio based on the vehicle's mode of use, such as extension or module configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering rod positions are manually repositioned to adapt to different vehicle lengths, then the steering behavior can be optimized for each configuration, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable steering rod connection system where the connection point on the wheel can be easily repositioned between multiple predefined positions. This allows the steering rod length and angle to be adapted to different vehicle configurations (such as different numbers of coupled modules) without requiring complex manual repositioning of the entire steering rod assembly. The adjustable connection mechanism enables quick adaptation of steering behavior to match the current vehicle length and bend radius requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the steering system by allowing the steering rod connection point on the wheel to be positioned at different locations. By varying the connection position parameter, the steering ratio and steering angle are automatically adjusted to optimize the steering behavior for different vehicle configurations. This parameter-based adjustment approach simplifies the adaptation process compared to repositioning entire steering components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are provided on steering rod connection plates for manual repositioning, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is achieved, but the complexity of the steering system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing multiple predefined opening positions only at the wheel connection points, rather than throughout the entire steering system. This localized approach to adjustability allows configuration adaptation while minimizing the overall complexity of the steering system. The multiple openings are strategically positioned to provide the necessary steering ratios for different vehicle lengths without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms elsewhere in the steering assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If steering rods are arranged on the inner side of the vehicle for compact design, then space is optimized, but accessibility for maintenance and adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism at the wheel connection points that allows steering rod repositioning without requiring access to the inner side of the vehicle. The adjustable connection points with multiple openings are positioned at the wheels, which are more accessible locations. This intermediary adjustment system enables maintenance and configuration changes to be performed from the outer side of the vehicle, eliminating the need to access the tightly packed inner steering rod arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for steering a multi-axle vehicle, which vehicle has on each axle at least two wheels arranged on either side of the vehicle, wherein the wheels of at least two axles are steerable, which steering device comprises steering rods connecting the steerable wheels to each other and is adapted such that for the wheels of at least one axle a ratio of a movement of the steering rod and a resulting steering movement of the wheels is adjustable subject to a mode of use of the vehicle. According to the invention at least one steering rod is connected displaceably to the wheel of one of the axles by means of a transmission element connected pivotally to a suspension part of said wheel. The invention further relates to a multi-axle vehicle provided with such a steering device and a method for steering such a multi-axle vehicle.