Laterally Swinging Steering Handle for Utility Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems for utility vehicles require operators to temporarily move their hands from the steering controls to actuate other control inputs, such as speed or material application, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of control during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A steering system that utilizes a laterally swinging operator control handle connected to a pivotable control member, which is linked to a lever arm and steering knuckle, allowing proportional pivoting of the front wheels about their steer axes, enabling intuitive and single-handed control of vehicle direction and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional steering wheel or handlebar system is used, then the vehicle can be steered effectively, but the operator must temporarily move one hand from the steering control to actuate other controls such as transmission or speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control is segmented from traditional wheel/handlebar configurations into a lever-based system where steering and speed control are separated into distinct functional zones, allowing independent access to each control without hand repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever serves multiple functions - it can be used for steering control, speed control, and potentially other vehicle operations, consolidating multiple control functions into a single accessible interface that eliminates the need to move hands between controls
2Adaptability or versatility
If individually driven wheels with separate control levers are used, then speed and turning can be controlled via the two levers, but the operator still needs to temporarily move a hand from one control lever to another control input
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (steering, speed control, and other vehicle operations) are merged into a single control lever assembly, allowing the operator to access all controls from one location without hand repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever system utilizes multi-dimensional movement capabilities (lateral swinging, forward/backward motion, rotational movement) to provide access to multiple control functions from a single interface, expanding control accessibility without requiring additional separate controls
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 allows operators to control vehicle direction and speed with one hand, keeping the other hand free for other controls, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for frequent hand repositioning, thereby improving overall vehicle handling and control.
Implementation Method 1
A lever arm is connected to the control member at or near the second end, the lever arm having a distal end spaced-apart from the pivot axis; and a connecting element attached to the distal end of the lever arm and to the steering knuckle. The steering system proportionally converts lateral movement of the control handle to pivoting of the front wheel about the steer axis.
Implementation Method 2
the steering knuckle is adapted to pivot, relative to the chassis, about a steer axis
Data Source
AI summary
A grounds maintenance vehicle such as a stand-on spreader/sprayer and a steering system for use with the same. In one embodiment, the steering system includes a laterally swinging control handle accessible by an operator standing on a platform of the vehicle. The handle controls movement of one or more steerable wheels such that lateral swinging of the control handle toward a left side results in a corresponding left turn, while lateral swinging of the control handle toward a right side results in a corresponding right turn.