US 12,263,896 B2
Multi-selectable application mode steering system and method thereof
Lowell D. Stutzman, Cedar Falls, IA (US); Nathanael K. Rehn, Waterloo, IA (US); Timothy J. Ofenloch, Willowbrook, IL (US); Jeffrey M. Tott, New Hartford, IA (US); Suresh Putta, Cedar Falls, IA (US); Douglas M. Van Meter, Grovetown, GA (US); Jordan L. Tagtow, Waterloo, IA (US); and Jacyn R. Goebel, Cedar Falls, IA (US)
Assigned to DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL (US)
Filed by Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US)
Filed on Aug. 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/888,646.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/290,333, filed on Dec. 16, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0192182 A1, Jun. 22, 2023
Int. Cl. B62D 6/00 (2006.01); B62D 5/04 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 5/0478 (2013.01) [B62D 6/002 (2013.01); B62D 6/008 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A steering system for controlling a direction of travel of a work machine, the work machine including an axle to which wheels are coupled, the steering system comprising:
a steering device operably controllable by an operator of the work machine, the steering device configured to be operably coupled to the axle for controlling an angular orientation of the wheels;
a brake operably coupled to the steering device, the brake being controllably applied to apply a first amount of resistance to the steering device;
a motor operably coupled to the steering device, the motor being controllably activated to apply a second amount of resistance to the steering device; and
a controller for controlling the steering system of the work machine, the controller being operably coupled with the brake and motor;
wherein, the controller controls the steering system in at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode;
wherein, in the first operating mode, the controller operably controls the brake between an applied condition and an unapplied condition;
wherein, in the second operating mode, the controller operably controls the motor between an active condition and a de-activated condition, where in the active condition the motor applies the second amount of resistance;
wherein the controller automatically selects between the at least first operating mode and the second operating mode based on predetermined criteria; and
wherein the predetermined criteria include at least one of travel speed of the work machine, operating status of the work machine, location of the work machine, and implement status.