Methods and systems for controlling differential wheel speeds of multi- independent-wheel drive vehicles
US11607952B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2022 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2200/221
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are methods and systems for controlling differential wheel speeds of multi-independent-wheel vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive electric tractors (4WD-ETs). Specifically, a method comprises determining a target speed for each wheel of the vehicle based on at least the steering input. The linear travel speeds (corresponding to these target speeds) of any two wheels are different when the vehicle turns (steering input deviates from a no-steering baseline) or the same when the vehicle travels in a straight line (steering input is at the no-steering baseline). Each target wheel speed is then used to control the rotational speed of the corresponding electric motor, which independently drives one of the vehicle's wheels. This process of determining the target wheel speeds and independently controlling all electric motors is frequently repeated such that the vehicle can be propelled through the turn at the desired speed with minimal wheel slip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.