Method and apparatus for steering articulated machines using variable speed devices
US6283237A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D12/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering system for turning a machine has a plurality of wheels that include a first and second wheel that share a first axis of rotation. The plurality of wheels also includes at least one tether wheel that has a second axis of rotation and may be pivoted relative to the first and second wheels. The first and second axes of rotation define a turning angle. A plurality of drive units include first and second drive units for independently rotating the first and second wheels respectively at variable speeds. A steering input device produces a steering input signal, and a controller receives the steering input signal and produces drive unit request signals to control the drive units. The drive unit request signals may command a turn by rotating the wheels at different speeds thereby altering the turning angle and turning the machine. In this manner, the present invention may steer the machine without articulation cylinders, a transmission, a drive shaft, or a differential.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.