Work Machine Steering Control by Last-Operated Steering Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines deviate from target routes due to loads from earth and sand, or uneven road surfaces, causing operator difficulty and increased load when maintaining route and operating implements, and existing automatic steering controls lead to unease when the steering wheel is released.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with multiple steering members and sensors that determine which member was last operated, performing automatic steering control only when the last-operated member is not in use, allowing manual control when the second member is active.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic steering control is activated when the operator releases the steering wheel, then the operating load on the operator is reduced, but the operator experiences unease due to unintended automatic steering changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the operation state of both steering members through operation sensors and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically determine whether to activate automatic steering control, ensuring the system responds appropriately to the operator's intentions and maintains natural driving feel while reducing operating load.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic steering control activation is made dynamic rather than static. The system adapts its behavior based on real-time detection of which steering member was last operated, allowing the control mode to switch between manual and automatic based on operational context, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and natural driving feel.
2Reliability
If automatic steering control is always active when the first steering member is not operated, then route maintenance is improved, but the system interferes with operator intent when the second steering member is used
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control system is segmented into two distinct modes based on which steering member is actively used. When the first steering member is used, automatic control activates for reliable route maintenance. When the second steering member is used, manual control is maintained for operational flexibility. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different operational scenarios without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different control qualities are applied locally based on which steering member is operated. The system provides automatic steady-state control (high reliability) when the first steering member is used, and manual responsive control (high adaptability) when the second steering member is used. This local quality approach ensures each steering member operates mode optimally suited to its intended use case.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine including a vehicle body, a traveling wheel, first and second steering members, an actuator, first and second operation sensors that output operation signals indicative of operation of the first and second steering members, and a controller. The controller acquires the first and second operation signals. The controller determines whether or not the first steering member is being operated, and whether the first steering member was operated last. The controller performs an automatic control of the actuator to set the steering angle to a target angle upon determining that the first steering member is not being operated and the first steering member was operated last. The controller does not perform the automatic control upon determining that the second steering member was operated last even if the first steering member is not being operated.