公开(公告)号：US20210070356A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-11

申请号：US17016022

申请日：2020-09-09

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum

IPC: B62D15/02 ,  G01S13/931 ,  B60W30/18 ,  H04W4/40 ,  G01C21/34

Abstract: An automated steering device is provided usable in conjunction with power equipment machines. By way of example, the automated steering device can provide user-assisted steering for a power equipment machine to maintain tight parallel paths. The user-assisted steering can be defined relative to an initial vector traversed through user directed operation of the power equipment machine, independent of or at least in part independent of a predefined area of operation for the power equipment machine. Position location data refined by local terrestrial positioning system correction devices, or onboard rotational correction devices can be provided to obtain high positioning accuracy, and minimal path deviation. As a result, highly accurate pathing can be provided by way of the disclosed automated steering devices.

公开(公告)号：US11623689B2

公开(公告)日：2023-04-11

申请号：US17016022

申请日：2020-09-09

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum

IPC: B62D15/02 ,  B60W30/18 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G01S13/931 ,  H04W4/40

Abstract: An automated steering device is provided usable in conjunction with power equipment machines. By way of example, the automated steering device can provide user-assisted steering for a power equipment machine to maintain tight parallel paths. The user-assisted steering can be defined relative to an initial vector traversed through user directed operation of the power equipment machine, independent of or at least in part independent of a predefined area of operation for the power equipment machine. Position location data refined by local terrestrial positioning system correction devices, or onboard rotational correction devices can be provided to obtain high positioning accuracy, and minimal path deviation. As a result, highly accurate pathing can be provided by way of the disclosed automated steering devices.

公开(公告)号：US20220121202A1

公开(公告)日：2022-04-21

申请号：US17503958

申请日：2021-10-18

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum

IPC: G05D1/00 ,  G05D1/02

Abstract: A power equipment machine with operator selectable autonomous mode and manual mode is provided. By way of example, the power equipment device can provide user-assisted semi-autonomous steering along user-defined paths of a geographic area. Manual steering controls and autonomous guidance controls can be positioned on one or more movable armrests to enhance comfort and minimize operator fatigue. The manual steering controls can include a jog wheel and encoder mechanism located on a first armrest, eliminating conventional mechanical shaft and wheel steering devices and dual lap bar steering devices. Guidance and computer settings can be accessed through a touchscreen display mounted in front of an operator position on the power equipment device.

公开(公告)号：US20240336087A1

公开(公告)日：2024-10-10

申请号：US18631770

申请日：2024-04-10

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Jay Maggard ,  Zachary A. Lyzen

IPC: B60B33/00 ,  A01D34/00 ,  A01D34/68 ,  A01D34/69 ,  A01D69/03

CPC classification number: B60B33/0068 ,  A01D34/006 ,  A01D34/69 ,  A01D69/03 ,  B60B33/0076 ,  A01D2034/6831

Abstract: Presented is a selective active caster steering apparatus for a maintenance apparatus having a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The selective active caster steering apparatus may comprise a caster wheel frame defining a caster swivel axis and a caster spin axis; a caster wheel operationally engaged with the caster wheel frame such that the caster wheel is adapted to be steered about the caster swivel axis; and a first caster steering unit adapted to selectably apply an amount of active torque to the caster wheel about the caster swivel axis as indicated by a first formula. The first formula may determine the amount of active torque to output as a first function of one or more measured parameters.

公开(公告)号：US20240140528A1

公开(公告)日：2024-05-02

申请号：US18510291

申请日：2023-11-15

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum

IPC: B62D15/02 ,  B60W30/18 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G01S13/931 ,  H04W4/40

CPC classification number: B62D15/021 ,  B60W30/18172 ,  G01C21/3461 ,  G01C21/3469 ,  G01S13/931 ,  H04W4/40 ,  G01S2013/9316 ,  G01S2013/932

Abstract: An automated steering device is provided usable in conjunction with power equipment machines. By way of example, the automated steering device can provide user-assisted steering for a power equipment machine to maintain tight parallel paths. The user-assisted steering can be defined relative to an initial vector traversed through user directed operation of the power equipment machine, independent of or at least in part independent of a predefined area of operation for the power equipment machine. Position location data refined by local terrestrial positioning system correction devices, or onboard rotational correction devices can be provided to obtain high positioning accuracy, and minimal path deviation. As a result, highly accurate pathing can be provided by way of the disclosed automated steering devices.

公开(公告)号：US20230242179A1

公开(公告)日：2023-08-03

申请号：US18132809

申请日：2023-04-10

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum

IPC: B62D15/02 ,  H04W4/40 ,  B60W30/18 ,  G01C21/34 ,  G01S13/931

CPC classification number: B62D15/021 ,  H04W4/40 ,  B60W30/18172 ,  G01C21/3461 ,  G01C21/3469 ,  G01S13/931 ,  G01S2013/932 ,  G01S2013/9316

Abstract: An automated steering device is provided usable in conjunction with power equipment machines. By way of example, the automated steering device can provide user-assisted steering for a power equipment machine to maintain tight parallel paths. The user-assisted steering can be defined relative to an initial vector traversed through user directed operation of the power equipment machine, independent of or at least in part independent of a predefined area of operation for the power equipment machine. Position location data refined by local terrestrial positioning system correction devices, or onboard rotational correction devices can be provided to obtain high positioning accuracy, and minimal path deviation. As a result, highly accurate pathing can be provided by way of the disclosed automated steering devices.

公开(公告)号：US20240407291A1

公开(公告)日：2024-12-12

申请号：US18737461

申请日：2024-06-07

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam Woodrum ,  Katharin Jensen-Nau

IPC: A01D34/64 ,  B62D5/04

Abstract: Systems and methods for drive and steering control in a drive-by-wire system for outdoor power equipment are discussed. Various embodiments can employ techniques related to one or more of: steering based on actively steered wheels with zero caster trail, variable output damping of vehicle control outputs, steering that compensates for drive system loss, emulation of drivability of a hydrostatic drive system by a non-hydrostatic drive system, employing a floating neutral point to improve steering on slopes, open loop techniques for hill holding and speed compensation on hills, and/or adjustment of a speed range associated with control inputs.

公开(公告)号：US20230249745A1

公开(公告)日：2023-08-10

申请号：US18106311

申请日：2023-02-06

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Jay Maggard ,  Zachary A. Lyzen

IPC: B62D11/04 ,  A01D34/64

CPC classification number: B62D11/04 ,  A01D34/64 ,  A01D2101/00

Abstract: Selectively powered caster wheels for a maintenance apparatus are described. A motor attached to the caster wheel(s) can be selectively powered to apply force to the caster wheel. This force can be selected to overcome another force sensed at the maintenance apparatus, or to steer the maintenance apparatus on a desired course or direction. The caster wheels can be configured to orient along a direction of motion of the maintenance apparatus, in response to power from the motor or in response to the motion of the maintenance apparatus itself. In further embodiments, the motor(s) can be selectively activated or deactivated by an operator of the maintenance apparatus, in response to a remote control signal, or in response to an onboard or offboard controller of the apparatus.

公开(公告)号：US20220363306A1

公开(公告)日：2022-11-17

申请号：US17736141

申请日：2022-05-04

Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC

Inventor： Zachary A. Lyzen ,  Adam J. Woodrum ,  Adam Hiller ,  Jay E. Maggard

IPC: B62D5/00 ,  B62D1/02 ,  B62D5/04 ,  G05D1/02 ,  A01D34/64 ,  A01D34/00

Abstract: A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.