Work Machine Steering Linkage for Tight Turns Without Wheel Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines struggle to make sharp turns without slipping, particularly when the turning angles of inner and outer wheels are the same, leading to increased minimum turning radius and potential wheel slip.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a shaft, steered wheels, support members, and link mechanisms featuring gears with specific radius relationships and meshing configurations that allow the inner wheel to have a larger turning angle than the outer wheel, reducing the minimum turning radius and enhancing stability and sharp turning capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the turning angles of inner and outer wheels are made the same, then the steering mechanism is simplified, but the minimum turning radius increases and wheel slip occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the inner wheel turning angle larger than the outer wheel turning angle during sharp turns. This asymmetric steering configuration allows the inner wheel to turn more sharply than the outer wheel, enabling the machine to navigate tight corners without wheel slip while maintaining a compact steering mechanism structure.
2Reliability
If the inner wheel turning angle is made larger than the outer wheel turning angle, then the minimum turning radius is reduced and sharp turning capability is improved, but the steering mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the steering mechanism adaptable to different turning conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between inner and outer wheel turning angles based on the required turn sharpness, allowing the inner wheel to have a larger turning angle than the outer wheel when sharp turns are needed, while maintaining simplicity during straight or gentle turning.
3Device complexity
If a conventional steering mechanism is used with equal turning angles, then the structure remains simple, but grass cutting inefficiencies occur during sharp turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the inner wheel to have a larger turning angle than the outer wheel during sharp turns. This asymmetric steering capability allows the lawn mower to execute tight turns without leaving uncut grass, thereby maintaining cutting efficiency while keeping the overall steering structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system according to the present disclosure includes a first drive gear and a second drive gear that are provided on a shaft, and a pair of link mechanisms disposed on both sides of the shaft. Each of the pair of link mechanisms includes a first driven gear, a second driven gear, a first tie rod, and a second tie rod.