Steering Sensor Cam Disk Mechanism for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering pickup systems for heavy-duty transport vehicles are complex, require additional hydraulic oil, and limit the maximum steering angle, making it difficult to establish a desired relationship between the steering angles of leading and trailing vehicle parts without colliding master cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A steering pickup system with a cam disk having a specifically shaped outer circumference allows for a simple mechanical adjustment of the steering angle relationship between vehicle parts, eliminating the need for hydraulic oil addition and using rigidly connected cylinder tubes to prevent collisions, with piston rods connected by brackets for stable guidance and hydraulic pressure to maintain contact with the cam disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cylinder tube and piston rod of the master cylinder are pivotably articulated to allow steering movement, then the steering angle can be adjusted, but the design becomes complicated and the steering kinematics become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex pivotable articulation mechanical system with a cam disk mechanism. The cam disk has a specifically shaped outer circumference that directly converts the steering angle into piston rod movement, eliminating the need for complicated pivot joints and complex steering kinematics while maintaining full steering angle adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam disk features a specifically shaped outer circumference with curved profiles (parabolic or hyperbolic) that directly translate rotational steering movement into linear piston rod movement. This curved geometry provides the necessary steering angle conversion without requiring complex mechanical articulations
2Reliability
If stops are added to limit the maximum steering angle to prevent master cylinder collision, then the steering angle is limited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam disk is designed with a specifically shaped outer circumference that inherently prevents the piston rods from moving beyond the safe range. The cam profile geometry itself acts as a mechanical stop, eliminating the need for additional collision-prevention devices while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The steering angle limitation function is merged into the cam disk's outer circumference shape. The same component that converts steering angle to piston movement also inherently limits the maximum steering angle, reducing overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hydraulic oil is fed into the hydraulic circuit to change the steering angle relationship, then the steering relationship can be adjusted, but the system becomes more complex and requires hydraulic intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam disk's outer circumference to adjust the steering angle relationship. By modifying the cam profile shape (parabolic or hyperbolic curves), the steering characteristics are adjusted mechanically without requiring hydraulic circuit interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hydraulic adjustment mechanisms with a mechanically adjustable cam disk. The steering angle relationship is changed by physically replacing the cam disk with one having a different outer circumference profile, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic intervention systems
4Ease of operation
If the piston rods are allowed to move freely to detect steering angle, then the detection is simple, but the piston rods may lift off the cam disk causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counteracting force through the spring element that constantly pushes the piston rod against the cam disk surface. This spring force prevents the piston rod from lifting off the cam disk during steering operations, ensuring continuous contact and stable steering angle detection
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of piston rod instability is converted into a benefit by using spring pressure. The spring force that might seem like an additional component actually ensures reliable contact between the piston rod and cam disk, improving detection reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
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 simplifies the design, eliminates the need for angle limitation, and allows for a more compact and stable steering mechanism, enabling a desired steering aggressiveness and angle relationship without hydraulic oil, while ensuring smooth and jerky-free steering movements.
Implementation Method 1
A cam disk 60 having an outer circumference 74, which is shaped in a desired manner, is fixedly connected to the support plate 34
Implementation Method 2
with hydraulic pressure to maintain contact with the cam disk
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering sensor (48) for detecting the steering angle between a leading first vehicle section (16) and a lagging second vehicle section (14) of a vehicle (10), comprising two master cylinders (62), each comprising a cylinder tube (64) and a piston rod (66), and a cam disk (60) along the circumference of which the free ends of the piston rods (66) move when the steering angle changes, the piston rods (66) being extended or retracted to a greater or lesser extent depending on the steering angle. According to the invention, the free ends of the piston rods (66) of the two master cylinders (62) are connected to each other by at least one bracket (80, 82).