Steering Wheel Lean-Angle Control for Easier Work Machine Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work machines require operators to manually adjust both steering and leaning angles, leading to complex operations and potential misalignment during turning.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a steering angle sensor, leaning angle sensor, and a controller that automatically adjusts the leaning angle based on the steering angle, allowing operators to control both angles through a single input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work machine uses separate steering control and leaning control mechanisms, then the turning capability is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steering control and leaning control into a single integrated system. The steering operation simultaneously controls both the steering angle and the leaning angle, merging two previously separate control functions into one unified operation that reduces complexity while maintaining full turning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives a single steering input signal and automatically generates the appropriate leaning control commands. This mediator coordinates between the operator's steering input and the required leaning adjustment, eliminating the need for separate manual leaning control
2Measurement precision
If the work machine requires manual adjustment of both steering angle and leaning angle, then the control precision is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and automatically applies the appropriate leaning angle based on the steering input, performing the leaning adjustment action simultaneously with steering rather than requiring sequential manual adjustment. This eliminates the time delay while maintaining precise control through the controller's automated coordination
3Adaptability or versatility
If the work machine uses independent control levers for steering and leaning, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering lever and leaning lever into a single integrated control mechanism. One steering lever now performs both steering and leaning functions, reducing the number of control components while maintaining the flexibility to independently adjust both parameters through coordinated control
4Measurement precision
If the work machine requires coordinated operation of multiple control inputs, then the maneuvering precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intelligent intermediary that automatically coordinates the leaning control based on steering input, eliminating the need for the operator to manually coordinate multiple control inputs. The system maintains precise maneuvering control while significantly reducing the operator burden through automated coordination
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a vehicle body, a steering control wheel, a first actuator, a second actuator, a steering angle sensor, a leaning angle sensor, and a controller. The steering control wheel is supported by the vehicle body. The first actuator changes a steering angle of the steering control wheel. The second actuator changes a leaning angle of the steering control wheel. The steering angle sensor outputs a first angle signal indicative of the steering angle. The leaning angle sensor outputs a second angle signal indicative of the leaning angle. The controller acquires the first angle signal and the second angle signal, acquires the steering angle based on the first angle signal, acquires the leaning angle based on the second angle signal, acquires a target leaning angle corresponding to the steering angle, and controls the second actuator so that the leaning angle becomes the target leaning angle.