Vehicle Control System for Zero-Radius Turning
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems struggle to achieve precise control and coordination between steering and speed inputs, especially in extreme turns, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during zero or small-radius turns.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system comprising flexible and rigid members that integrate steering and speed inputs through a network of links and gears, allowing for coordinated movement of drive wheels to maintain control and reduce speed during extreme turns, ensuring consistent steering in forward and reverse directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional steering system is used for zero or small-radius turns, then the vehicle can achieve turning capability, but wheel skidding and damage occur due to insufficient speed control during extreme turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control during steering operations by integrating the steering input with speed control through linkage mechanisms. The system automatically adjusts drive wheel speed based on steering angle and direction, reducing speed during extreme turns to prevent skidding and damage while maintaining full turning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the steering input device (steering wheel position) provides continuous information to the speed control system. This feedback loop enables real-time speed adjustment based on current steering conditions, preventing wheel damage during extreme maneuvers while maintaining operational ease.
2Device complexity
If steering and speed controls are independent, then the system is simpler to design, but coordination between steering and speed inputs is insufficient leading to control inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering control system with the speed control system through mechanical linkages that connect the steering input device to the drive unit speed control. This integration creates coordinated control where steering actions automatically influence speed adjustments, improving control efficiency without requiring complex electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering input device serves dual functions: primary steering control and secondary speed control input. The same steering wheel that directs the vehicle also provides speed modulation information to the drive units, eliminating the need for separate controls and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining design simplicity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle maintains constant speed during turns, then energy efficiency is improved, but steering precision is reduced during extreme turns due to lack of speed modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies speed modulation only when necessary - during extreme turns where steering precision is critical. During normal steering operations, the vehicle maintains constant speed for energy efficiency. The linkage mechanism provides partial speed reduction only when the steering angle exceeds certain thresholds, optimizing both energy consumption and steering precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.