Variable-Steering Tractor Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractors with mechanical synchronization mechanisms for variable steering face challenges in maneuverability, particularly in narrow spaces and varying terrains, leading to increased stress on kinematic components, driving difficulties, and reduced ease of use on sloping or rough terrain.
Innovation Solution
A high-maneuverability variable-steering tractor design featuring a front and rear part articulated at a pivot, with hydraulic cylinders and electronic control for independent steering modes, allowing the driver to select between front-only, central-only, or combined steering, utilizing angular sensors for alignment and oil-flow distribution to optimize steering based on terrain and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical synchronization mechanisms are used for variable steering, then steering coordination is achieved, but device complexity increases and stress on kinematic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical synchronization system with an electronic control system. The electronic control unit receives signals from angular sensors and controls hydraulic cylinders to achieve steering coordination without mechanical linkages. This substitution eliminates complex kinematic mechanisms while maintaining reliable steering coordination through electronic sensing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic cylinders to actuate both the front wheels and the central articulation. The hydraulic system provides powerful, controlled movement without requiring complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms. The hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently to achieve coordinated steering actions.
2Reliability
If mechanical interconnections are provided for synchronization, then steering control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates on sloping or rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steering system dynamic by allowing independent control of front wheel steering and central articulation through hydraulic cylinders. The system can adapt its steering mode based on terrain conditions, switching between front-wheel steering for rough terrain and combined steering for narrow spaces, thereby improving ease of operation across different terrain types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering parameters by allowing the driver to select different steering modes (front-wheel steering, combined steering, or central articulation only) based on terrain conditions. This parameter change enables optimal steering performance for both rough terrain and narrow space operations.
3Reliability
If mechanical synchronization mechanisms are used, then steering coordination is achieved, but fuel consumption increases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical synchronization mechanisms with an electronic control system that manages hydraulic actuators. This substitution reduces parasitic energy losses associated with mechanical linkages, friction, and mechanical synchronization, thereby reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining steering coordination reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If narrow turning mechanisms are provided, then maneuverability in narrow spaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering function into two independent controllable elements: front wheel steering and central articulation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve narrow turning capability through coordinated action of both elements without requiring complex dedicated narrow-turning mechanisms. Each element can be controlled independently by hydraulic cylinders based on electronic control unit commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder system serves multiple functions: it can actuate front wheels for steering, actuate the central articulation for turning, or both simultaneously for narrow space maneuvering. This multi-functionality provides narrow space capability without adding dedicated complex mechanisms.
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
Enhances maneuverability and safety by minimizing complex connections, reducing stress on components, and allowing optimal steering for different terrains and spaces, while maintaining ease of use and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of double-acting hydraulic cylinders (21, 22) which define a command for obtaining that the front wheels (17) are steering; a second pair of double-acting hydraulic cylinders (40, 41) to actuate a rotation of the front frame (14) with respect to the rear frame (18)
Data Source
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AI summary
A high-maneuverability variable-steering tractor comprising a front part (11) which provides a front frame (14) and a rear part (12) which provides a rear frame (18), articulated to each other in a pivot (13), the front frame (14) being associated with an engine (15) and a front axle (16) bearing two front wheels (17), steering with respect to the same, and the rear frame (18) providing a rear axle (18) bearing rear wheels (20), wherein at least a first double-acting hydraulic cylinder (21 or 22) is provided in correspondence with the front axle (16), which defines a control for the front wheels (17); a hydraulic pump (38) and a power steering (42) connected to a steering wheel (51) of the tractor also being provided, wherein at least a second double-acting hydraulic cylinder (40 or 41) is provided between the front frame (14) and the rear frame (18) at the pivot (13) for rotating the front frame (14) with respect to the rear frame (18), an electronic control unit (49) being provided, and also an oil-flow distribution hydraulic block (50) coming from the pump (38) operatively connected to sensors (37, 39) for aligning the front frame (11) and the rear frame (12), and a selector (52) being provided which can be actuated by the user for selecting an operating position, which makes it possible to act on the front steering, on the central steering or on both in order to have the type of steering deemed necessary and selected.