Vehicle Front Dig Control for Tight Turn Radius Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles are limited by a large turn radius due to the wheel layout, making tight corner navigation difficult.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a front dig mode and tank-turn mode in vehicles, utilizing independent control of drive shafts, wheels, and brakes to achieve reduced turn radii through torque and resistance manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional steering and torque application methods are used, then the vehicle operates simply, but the turn radius remains large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturn radiusVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's drive system is segmented into independently controllable front and rear drive shafts, with each wheel capable of independent torque control. This segmentation enables the front dig mode where the front wheels receive forward torque while the inner rear wheel receives backward torque or brake application, allowing the vehicle to pivot tightly and achieve reduced turn radii

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts torque distribution to each wheel based on operating conditions. The processing circuitry monitors vehicle speed, steering angle, and mode selections to dynamically allocate forward or backward torque to front and rear wheels, enabling transition between traditional driving and front dig mode for optimized turning performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the vehicle uses independent wheel control for tight turns, then maneuverability improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters by selectively applying forward or backward torque to different wheels based on the selected mode. In front dig mode, the inner rear wheel receives backward torque or brake force while outer wheels receive forward torque, creating a pivoting effect that significantly reduces turn radius and improves maneuverability in tight spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3880539B1Systems and methods for providing a vehicle with a front dig mode

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

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AI summary

Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a vehicle in a front dig mode. The front dig mode is engaged in response to determining that speed of the vehicle is below a speed threshold and determining that the amount that at least one of the front wheels of the vehicle is turned exceeds a turn threshold. While operating in the front dig mode, forward torque is provided to the front wheels of the vehicle. Further, resistance is applied to forward rotation of the inner back wheel of the vehicle. Yet further, forward torque is provided to the outer back wheel of the vehicle.