2006 Volume 68 Issue 1 Pages 128-135
In previous papers it has been reported that the forced differential system improved dramatically the turning performance of a crawler vehicle. Moreover, adding conical linkage mechanism resulted in satisfactory turning performance although only by normal steering control.
This paper presents several concrete solutions to the various troubles caused by the incapacity of the crawler vehicle to turn at low velocity due to the low volumetric efficiency of the HST. They are as follows: The slotted hole connecting mechanism refers to the connection of the output-arm of conical linkage to the operating-arm of HST by way of slotted hole. The over-stroke mechanism refers to the connection of the output-arm of conical linkage to the operating-arm of HST using increased (turning output) stroke. The variable ratio gear mechanism refers to the reduction of steering wheel motion in order to reduce the turning power and improve the turning performance at low velocity.
