Universal Steering System for Zero-Turn Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems are limited by the need for swivel wheels, which cause mobility issues in soft or rough terrain and restrict maneuverability, especially in tight spaces due to structural design constraints such as wheelbase size and CV joint limitations.
Innovation Solution
A universal steering system that controls the deflection of each wheel independently using controllable electronics, motors, and sensors, allowing for separate control of wheel deflection and speed to navigate any radius, eliminating the need for swivel wheels and enhancing maneuverability across various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If swivel wheels are used to enable zero-turn steering, then the vehicle can turn in place, but the swivel wheels cause mobility issues in soft or rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering function into independent control of each wheel rather than using a unified swivel mechanism. Each wheel can be controlled separately by its own motor, allowing the vehicle to turn in place while maintaining better contact with the ground through independent wheel adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical swivel wheel system with an electronically controlled motor system. Each wheel has its own motor that can independently adjust wheel angle and rotation speed, eliminating the need for mechanical swivel joints that fail in soft terrain.
2Length of moving object
If the wheelbase is reduced to achieve tighter turning radius, then the vehicle can turn more sharply, but the structural design constraints (crash rails, engine position) limit how far wheels can turn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wheel deflection angle dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed by mechanical constraints. Motors can independently control each wheel's angle within a wider range than traditional mechanical systems allow, enabling tight turning radii without reducing wheelbase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controllable parameters of the wheel system by allowing independent motor control of each wheel's angle and speed. This enables the vehicle to achieve various turning radii by adjusting wheel parameters electronically rather than being limited by fixed mechanical geometry.
3Reliability
If the wheel deflection is limited to fifty degrees to protect CV joints, then the vehicle structure is protected, but the turning radius increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical CV joint system with direct motor-driven wheels. Each wheel has its own motor that can control rotation and angle independently, eliminating the need for CV joints and their fifty-degree deflection limitation. This allows greater wheel deflection angles without risking joint damage.
4Ease of operation
If a complicated steering mechanism with chain or belt is used to achieve steering around a common radius point, then the vehicle can turn smoothly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering mechanism into independent motor-wheel units rather than using a unified chain or belt system. Each wheel is controlled independently by its own motor, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving smooth turning through coordinated control of multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each motor-wheel unit universal and independently controllable, capable of performing both propulsion and steering functions. This eliminates the need for separate steering mechanisms (chains, belts, rods) and achieves smooth turning through electronic coordination of the universal wheel units.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal steering system designed for all-wheel drive, remote control, zero turn, and positive traction. The universal steering system is configured to control the wheel deflection of each wheel of a vehicle. The universal steering system is usable for vehicles including automobiles, motorized dollies, floor jacks, toolboxes, tables, carts, skateboards, and other wheeled vehicles.