Multidirectional Transport Vehicle Steering Pole Axis Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multidirectional transport vehicles with complex steering systems require significant practice and concentration to operate safely, especially in challenging situations, due to numerous degrees of freedom and lack of intuitive control.

Innovation Solution

A steering system with a driving direction switch and adjustment element that allows preselection of rotational positions of the steering pole axis, enabling simpler and more intuitive operation by limiting switch positions and providing continuous variability, separate from the steering target value transmitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements and continuous steering programs are provided to increase steering flexibility, then the adaptability of the steering system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of operating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering control is segmented into two distinct functional components: a driving direction switch with limited discrete positions for selecting primary steering modes, and a steering target value transmitter for continuous adjustment within each mode. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the control interface while maintaining steering flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driving direction switch performs preliminary selection of steering programs before the operator uses the steering target value transmitter for fine adjustment. By pre-selecting from a limited number of steering modes (e.g., transverse driving, longitudinal driving, diagonal driving), the system simplifies the operator's decision-making process while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating elements and steering programs are provided to enable orientation changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring practice and concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation control capabilityVSAvoiddriver operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into two clear functional parts: a driving direction switch with limited discrete positions for selecting primary steering modes, and a steering target value transmitter for continuous adjustment. This segmentation creates an intuitive control hierarchy that reduces the cognitive load on the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the control system have different levels of discreteness: the driving direction switch has limited discrete positions for major steering mode selection, while the steering target value transmitter provides continuous adjustment for fine-tuning. This local differentiation optimizes both adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a limited number of switch positions are used to preselect rotational positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability may be reduced compared to continuous control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol intuitivenessVSAvoidsteering precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The steering control is segmented into two stages: first, the driving direction switch selects from a limited number of discrete steering modes (providing ease of operation), and second, the steering target value transmitter allows continuous adjustment within each mode (providing adaptability and precision).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static discrete switch positions to dynamic continuous adjustment. The driving direction switch provides stable discrete options, while the steering target value transmitter enables smooth continuous variation, combining the benefits of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11420675B2Multidirectional transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 HUBTEX MASCHENBAU

AI summary

A multidirectional transport vehicle includes a longitudinal axis which defines a longitudinal direction, a transverse axis which defines a transverse direction, a steering system, a driving direction switch, and a driving direction adjustment element. The steering system comprises at least three independently steerable wheels and a steering target value transmitter which steers the wheels. Each wheel has a wheel axle. A steering pole, on which each wheel axle is aligned when cornering, is moved along a steering pole axis by actuating the steering target value transmitter. The driving direction switch includes a limited number of separate switch positions, wherein exactly one switch position preselects exactly one respective rotational position of the steering pole axis relative to the multidirectional transport vehicle and preselects one of two driving directions facilitated thereby. The driving direction adjustment element changes a preselectable rotational position of the steering pole axis.