Steering Operation Device Feedback via Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering operation devices for vehicles, particularly those with joystick lever systems, face challenges in operability due to the need for a long link member between the pilot valve and the front part of the vehicle, which can be impractical depending on the vehicle's shape, and may lead to safety issues if the electrical system fails.
Innovation Solution
A steering operation device that includes a hydraulic actuator, steering valve, pilot valve, joystick lever, drive device, steering angle sensor, and controller, where the steering angle is fed back to the controller without a link member, allowing for electrical control of the drive device and non-electrical operation of the pilot valve, ensuring continued functionality even if the electrical system fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a link member is used to connect the pilot valve to the front part of the vehicle body for feedback, then the steering angle can be fed back to the pilot valve, but the device becomes difficult to install when the vehicle body shape requires a long link member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical link member system with an electrical signal transmission system. A steering angle sensor detects the steering angle and sends electrical signals to the controller, which then sends feedback signals to the pilot valve. This substitution eliminates the need for long mechanical link members while maintaining the steering angle feedback function, resolving the contradiction between reliable feedback and ease of installation.
2Device complexity
If the pilot valve is placed near the joystick lever for mechanical linkage, then the linkage is simplified, but the distance to the front part of the vehicle body becomes large requiring an excessively long link member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feedback system into independent functional modules: the steering angle sensor is placed at the front part of the vehicle body near the hydraulic actuator, while the pilot valve remains near the joystick lever. These segments communicate through electrical signals rather than mechanical linkages, allowing each component to be optimally positioned without requiring long connecting members.
3Measurement precision
If electrical control is used for the drive device, then control precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to electrical system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pilot valve's ability to respond to both electrical signals and mechanical input. The pilot valve can be controlled by electrical signals from the controller for normal precision operation, but can also respond to direct mechanical input from the joystick lever through the operation input shaft if electrical system failure occurs. This dual-mode capability maintains system reliability while preserving control precision during normal operation.
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 enhances operability by eliminating the need for a link member, allowing easier installation regardless of vehicle shape and ensuring safety by maintaining steering capability even if the electrical system malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator which is driven by hydraulic pressure and varies a steering angle of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a steering valve which adjusts a flow rate of oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator according to a pilot pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In a steering operation device, a hydraulic actuator is driven by hydraulic pressure and vary the steering angle of the vehicle. A steering valve adjusts the flow rate of oil supplied to the actuator according to a pilot pressure. A pilot valve adjusts the pilot pressure input to the steering valve according to a difference between a displacement of an operation input shaft and a displacement of a feedback input shaft. A joystick lever is linked to the operation input shaft and moves the operation input shaft according to a tilt angle. A drive device displaces the feedback input shaft. A steering angle sensor detects the steering angle and outputs the angle as a detected signal. A controller sends a command signal to the drive device so as to displace the feedback input shaft according to the detected steering angle.