System for detecting failure of an articulated steering mechanism

A machine, comprising:

• a hitch;
• a steering assembly including:
• a first hydraulic actuator;
• and
• a second hydraulic actuator;
• a first isolating mechanism coupled to the first hydraulic actuator and configured to rotate in response to a first rotation of the first hydraulic actuator, the first isolating mechanism including first protrusions that engage at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first hydraulic actuator;
• a first sensor configured to sense a first angular displacement of the first isolating mechanism about a first rotational axis;
• a second isolating mechanism coupled to the second hydraulic actuator and configured to rotate in response to a second rotation of the second hydraulic actuator, the second isolating mechanism including second protrusions that engage at least a portion of an exterior surface of the second hydraulic actuator;
• and
• a second sensor configured to sense a second angular displacement of the second isolating mechanism about a second rotational axis.

A machine comprising:

• a frame;
• an oscillating hitch configured to pivot relative to the frame;
• a first cylinder extending between the oscillating hitch and the frame, the first cylinder being coupled to the frame to pivot relative to the frame about a first axis;
• a second cylinder extending between the oscillating hitch and the frame, the second cylinder being coupled to the frame to pivot relative to the frame about a second axis;
• a first isolating mechanism contacting an outer surface of the first cylinder and configured to isolate first rotation of the first cylinder about the first axis from movements other than the first rotation of the first cylinder;
• a first angle sensor configured to sense a first angular displacement of the first isolating mechanism about the first axis;
• a second isolating mechanism contacting an outer surface of the second cylinder and configured to isolate second rotation of the second cylinder about the second axis from movements other than the second rotation of the second cylinder,
• wherein at least one of the first isolating mechanism or the second isolating mechanism comprises a first prong and a second prong spaced from the first prong, inner surfaces of the first prong and the second prong contacting opposing portions of the outer surface of a respective at least one of the first cylinder or the second cylinder;
• and
• a second angle sensor configured to sense a second angular displacement of the second isolating mechanism about the second axis.