Working Vehicle Steering Feedback for Automatic Wheel Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working vehicle steering systems face challenges in maintaining the steerable wheels at a central steering angle, particularly when using non-steering wheel inputs like buttons or joysticks, leading to repeated manual adjustments for straight-line movement.
Innovation Solution
A controller is configured to receive a steering angle signal, determine if the angle is within a predetermined range, and output a control signal to automatically move the steerable wheels to a central position, with manual override options and feedback control to avoid interfering with user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steering wheel with mechanical coupling is used, then visual indication of steering position and self-centering are achieved, but compactness and positioning flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering wheel coupling system with an electronic steering input system. The steering input provides electronic signals to the electronic control system, which then actuates the steering actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for a large mechanical steering wheel while maintaining steering functionality, thereby achieving compactness and positioning flexibility.
2Volume of moving object
If electronic steering input is used, then compactness and positioning flexibility are increased, but automatic return to center and visual feedback are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a steering angle sensor that provides feedback to the electronic control system about the current steering angle. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the steerable wheels are within the predetermined angle range and automatically actuates the steering actuator to return the wheels to the central position, achieving automatic return to center functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting when the steering angle is within the predetermined range and autonomously actuating the steering actuator to return to center without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
3Productivity
If automatic return to center is implemented, then manual adjustment frequency is reduced, but interference with user control may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously monitoring the steering angle and only activating the automatic return-to-center function when the wheels are within the predetermined angle range. When the wheels are outside this range or when the steering input is being actively manipulated, the automatic function remains inactive, thereby preventing interference with user control while still providing automatic correction when appropriate.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a working vehicle steering system 100. The working vehicle steering system comprises: one or more steerable wheels 14; a steering actuation system 120 configured to move the one or more steerable wheels between a range of steering angles; a steering angle sensor 108; and a controller 136. The controller is configured to: receive a steering angle signal 110 from the steering angle sensor; determine whether a steering angle of the one or more steerable wheels is within a predetermined steering angle range; and when it is determined that the steering angle is within the predetermined steering angle range, output a control signal 138 to direct the steering actuation system to automatically move the one or more steerable wheels towards a central steering angle position.