Steering Wheel Hub Control for Simultaneous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional working machines, such as loading and excavating machines, require operators to release the steering wheel to control power-operated auxiliary services, which is undesirable for simultaneous steering and operation of hydraulic actuators, and the electrical connections for rotatable hubs are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with a steering wheel and a hub structure that allows operators to steer and control hydraulic actuators without releasing the wheel, featuring a hub with manually operable control devices that provide signals to a controller to operate hydraulic control valves, simplifying the system and eliminating the need for costly electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable hub structure with control devices is provided on the steering wheel, then the operator can control auxiliary services while steering, but the electrical connections become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control devices from the rotatable hub structure and places them on the fixed mounting structure behind the steering wheel. This allows the control devices to remain stationary, eliminating the need for complex rotating electrical connections while still enabling the operator to control auxiliary services during steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the control devices rotate with the steering wheel hub, the patent inverts the approach by fixing the control devices to the stationary mounting structure and allowing the steering wheel to rotate independently. This reversal eliminates the rotational connection problem while maintaining control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If joystick controls are used for hydraulic actuators, then the auxiliary services can be controlled, but the operator must release the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering function and auxiliary service control function into a single integrated control interface. By placing control devices on the steering wheel assembly, the operator can perform both steering and auxiliary service operations simultaneously without releasing the wheel, combining two previously separate operational tasks into one unified interaction.
3Ease of operation
If control devices are provided on a rotatable hub, then simultaneous steering and control are enabled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control devices from the rotatable hub structure and relocates them to the fixed mounting structure. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive rotating electrical connections and complex rotational mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to control auxiliary services during steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective control device arrangement that uses standard fixed mounting techniques rather than expensive rotational connection systems. This approach uses readily available components and simpler assembly processes, reducing overall manufacturing costs while achieving the same operational functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A working machine (10) includes a steerable, power driven ground engaging structure (13,14) and a hydraulic actuator operated working part (18) for performing working operations, and a control apparatus (30) which includes a mounting (31), a steering device (32) for providing steering to the ground engaging structure (13,14), and a manually operable control device (50,51,52) for controlling operation of a hydraulic control valve (V,V2,V3) which in use selectively provides pressurised hydraulic fluid to the at least one actuator (17,19,21) to operate the working part (18), the steering device (32) including a steering wheel (32) which includes an outer rim part (34) which is rotatable relative to the mounting (31), within an envelope of rotation, about an axis (A), to turn a steering column (39) which is coaxial or substantially co-axial with the axis of rotation (A) of the steering wheel (32), the steering column (39) being operatively connected to the ground engaging structure (13,14) to effect steering of the machine (10) when turned, and the control apparatus (30) further including a hub structure (33) which is located within or substantially within the boundary of rotation of the outer rim part (34) of the steering wheel (32), and a controller (C), the hub structure (33) being fixed relative to the mounting (31) and the manually operable control device (5a,51,52) being provided by the hub structure (33) and in use when operated, providing a signal to the controller (C) which responds by operating the hydraulic control valve(V,V2,V3).