Steering Wheel Angle Adjustment for Clear Display Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In work vehicles, the original correct relationship between the wheel angle and steering angle in the steering mechanism is disrupted over time, causing the field of view to be obstructed by spokes, preventing the driver from seeing the display unit through the steering wheel opening during straight travel.

Innovation Solution

A work vehicle with a steering mechanism that includes a wheel angle detector and an adjusting unit to set and maintain the appropriate wheel angle, allowing the display unit to remain in view by adjusting the steering angle to the neutral position, ensuring the driver can see the screen through the steering wheel opening regardless of changes in the steering mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the steering wheel attachment position is determined for clear display viewing during straight travel, then the driver can see the display unit through the opening, but the correct relationship between wheel angle and steering angle cannot be maintained over time due to steering mechanism changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidsteering angle relationship
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that automatically modifies the steering wheel attachment position on the steering post based on detected deviations in the wheel angle to steering angle relationship. The adjusting mechanism allows the steering wheel to be repositioned along the steering post to restore the correct angular relationship, resolving the contradiction between maintaining display visibility and preserving steering accuracy over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback system using detectors to monitor both the wheel angle and steering angle, comparing their relationship against predetermined correct values. When deviations are detected, the system activates the adjusting mechanism to reposition the steering wheel, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both display visibility and steering angle relationship despite temporal changes in the steering mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the steering mechanism is adjusted to maintain correct wheel angle and steering angle relationship, then steering accuracy is improved, but the display unit may become obstructed from view by spokes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering angle relationshipVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting mechanism dynamically repositions the steering wheel along the steering post in response to detected steering mechanism changes. By moving the steering wheel to a new attachment position, the system simultaneously restores the correct wheel angle to steering angle relationship and adjusts the opening position to maintain unobstructed view of the display unit, eliminating the need to choose between steering accuracy and display visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the steering wheel is positioned to allow clear view of the display unit, then the opening aligns with the display, but field of view is interrupted by spokes when the steering mechanism changes over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay viewing angleVSAvoidfield of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the steering wheel position on the steering post to maintain optimal viewing conditions. When the steering mechanism changes cause spoke obstruction, the adjusting mechanism repositions the steering wheel to realign the opening with the display unit, ensuring continuous unobstructed viewing while maintaining correct steering angle relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback system detects when spoke obstruction occurs by monitoring the alignment between the opening and display unit. When misalignment is detected, the system activates the adjusting mechanism to reposition the steering wheel, creating a self-correcting system that prevents field of view loss and maintains complete display visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3901001B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3901001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3901001B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3901001B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work vehicle includes a steering wheel 3 that is disposed on the rear side with respect to a display unit 40, in front of the driver seat, and that includes a plurality of spokes 31 and a ring-shaped member 32 that is connected to the spokes 31. An opening 33 is formed between the spokes 31 and the ring-shaped member 32. The work vehicle further includes a steering mechanism 9 that changes a steering angle of a steerable wheel 11 based on a wheel angle that is a rotation angle of the steering wheel 3 about a wheel rotation shaft, and an adjusting unit 93 that adjusts a relationship between the wheel angle and the steering angle.