Turning Assistance Slip Control for Tight-Turn Long-Wheelbase Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with long wheelbases, such as trucks, face challenges in tight spaces due to large turning radii, which can be difficult to maneuver and complete U-turns, and existing techniques like locking the inside rear wheel can damage tires and terrain.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system with electric motors and sensors that control wheel slip by applying torque differentials to the inside and outside rear wheels based on steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, and surface type, allowing for adaptive and automatic reduction of turning radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inside rear wheel is locked to reduce turning radius, then the turning radius is reduced, but the tire is damaged (flat spotting) and the terrain is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of wheel rotation by applying controlled slip to the inside rear wheel during turning maneuvers. Instead of completely locking the wheel (0 rotation), the system allows partial rotation controlled by the controller, which reduces the turning radius while preventing complete flat spotting and minimizing terrain damage through regulated slip parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting vehicle state and turning conditions to dynamically adjust the amount of slip applied to the inside rear wheel. The controller continuously monitors and regulates the slip level to maintain optimal turning assistance while preventing excessive tire wear and terrain damage based on real-time conditions
2Reliability
If a long wheelbase vehicle is used, then cargo capacity and stability are improved, but maneuverability in tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates asymmetric wheel behavior during turning by applying slip control specifically to the inside rear wheel while maintaining normal operation of other wheels. This asymmetric intervention allows the long wheelbase vehicle to achieve tighter turning radii without compromising the overall stability provided by the long wheelbase configuration during straight-line travel
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
Enables seamless and adaptive reduction of turning radius, improving maneuverability in tight spaces and extreme off-road conditions while minimizing tire damage and terrain impact.
Implementation Method 1
applying a torque differential to at least an inside rear wheel and an outside rear wheel of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
control wheel slip during a turn
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system for reducing turn radius of a vehicle may include electric motors associated with front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The system may further include a plurality of vehicle sensors to receive information including driving surface type, vehicle speed and handwheel position. The system may also include a controller operably coupled to the electric motors and the sensors to control wheel slip during a turn based on the driving surface type, the vehicle speed and the handwheel position.