Zero-Turn Stability Control Using Inertial Steering Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles, particularly zero turn mowers and skid-steer loaders, face challenges in maintaining stability on uneven terrain and slopes without complex front wheel steering mechanisms or operator differential steering, leading to difficulties in straight line tracking and potential rollover risks.
Innovation Solution
A stability control system utilizing a multi-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer, along with input from the vehicle's accelerator and steering system, allows for electronic control of independently driven wheels via lap bars or control sticks, enabling automatic steering corrections to maintain straight line travel on slopes without the need for wheel speed sensors, thus reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If front wheel steering mechanisms are added to improve straight line tracking on slopes, then vehicle stability and tracking accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical front wheel steering mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses a gyroscope, accelerometer, and processor to automatically adjust the speed of independently driven wheels. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical steering linkages while achieving the same stability and straight line tracking function through electronic sensing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The independently driven wheels serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion, steering, and automatic stability correction. The electronic control system integrates multiple sensing functions (gyroscope for orientation, accelerometer for tilt) and control functions into a single multi-functional system, replacing the need for separate mechanical steering and stability systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If operator differential steering is required to maintain straight line travel on hillsides, then vehicle tracking accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs self-correction of its trajectory by using the gyroscope and accelerometer to detect deviations from straight line travel and automatically adjusting wheel speeds. The system serves itself by autonomously maintaining stability and tracking without requiring continuous operator intervention or differential steering inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope and accelerometer provide continuous feedback about the vehicle's orientation and position to the processor, which automatically adjusts wheel speeds to correct deviations. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for operator judgment and manual differential steering, reducing fatigue while maintaining accurate tracking.
3Measurement precision
If wheel speed sensors are added to improve control precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope and accelerometer serve as intermediary sensors that indirectly measure wheel speed and vehicle motion by detecting changes in orientation and acceleration. Instead of directly measuring wheel speed with dedicated sensors, the system uses these intermediary inertial measurements to infer motion parameters, reducing the number and complexity of required sensors.
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
The system effectively maintains vehicle stability on hillsides and uneven terrain, reducing operator fatigue and preventing rollovers by making automatic steering corrections, ensuring smooth and controlled operation without the complexity of traditional front wheel steering mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The system disclosed herein utilizes a multi-axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer, along with input from the vehicle accelerator and steering system
Implementation Method 2
The system disclosed herein utilizes a multi-axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer, along with input from the vehicle accelerator and steering system
Implementation Method 3
The system disclosed herein utilizes a multi-axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer, along with input from the vehicle accelerator and steering system
Data Source
AI summary
A drive and control system is provided for use on a zero turn vehicle, and includes first and second hydraulic ground drives independently driving a set of driven wheels. Each ground drive has an electric actuator to control the output thereof. An operator mechanism generates a drive signal corresponding to a neutral drive position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral drive positions of the operator mechanism, and a steering signal corresponding to a neutral steering position or to one of a plurality of non-neutral steering positions of the operator mechanism. Sensors generate signals corresponding to sensed roll, pitch and yaw parameters. A stability control module includes a processor for receiving the drive and steering signals and for providing output signals to the electric actuators.