STEERING TANDEM AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH STABILIZING AND ALIGNING ROD SYSTEM

Description

5 STEERING TANDEM AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH STABILIZING AND ALIGNING ROD SYSTEM Field of invention

[001] This patent application applies to the transport and / or agricultural sector and refers to a mechanical assembly composed of tandem-mounted axles. The axles are directional and interconnected by stabilizing and aligning rods strategically positioned on the front, bottom, and sides of the axles. The system provides greater stability, steering efficiency, and operational safety, especially in heavy transport vehicles. Fundamentals of the invention and state of the art

[002] In the heavy vehicle industry, tandem axle assemblies are widely used due to their ability to distribute vehicle load efficiently and evenly. These systems are common in haul trucks, trailers, and special vehicles, allowing for greater load capacity and stability on varied terrain.

[003] However, challenges related to handling, stability in curves, wheel alignment and dynamic load control still remain in traditional solutions. Conventional systems generally have limitations in reducing lateral movements, vertical axle oscillation and torsional torque during critical operations, such as tight turns and complex maneuvers in confined spaces.

[004] Currently, there are conventional tandem axle sets divided into two main categories, namely fixed tandem axles and semi-directional tandem axles.

[005] Fixed tandem axles do not have independent steering capability, that is, they offer linear stability, but suffer under conditions Petition 870250004495, dated 01 / 20 / 2025, page 6 / 15 / 5 maneuverability due to rigidity, resulting in greater tire wear and difficulty in turns and maneuvers. Semi-directional tandem axles have one fixed axle, while the other is capable of limited directional movements. They offer a slight improvement in maneuverability, but still face challenges on uneven terrain.

[006] Referring to the state of the art related to patent registrations, documents numbered BR 20 2016 005229-2 and MU9002320-0 can be cited, which claim an arrangement applied in a motion transmitter assembly for a second directional axis and a configuration applied in a drive for a second directional axis, respectively.

[007] The first registration number BR 20 2016 005229-2 claims a central pendulum bar (3) and primary rod (4) joined to the main steering shaft (5) and secondary rod (6) connected to the auxiliary steering shaft (7), with direct transmission of movement from the main steering shaft to the auxiliary steering shaft occurring through said rods (4) and (6) without using supplementary hydraulic systems.

[008] Although theoretically functional, the transfer of movement to the auxiliary axle in registration BR 20 2016 005229-2 occurs through the two rods (4) and (6), which are connected to the central pendulum bar (3), that is, the rods remain fixed to the chassis by means of this pendulum bar, making it impossible to use this assembly in tandem axles due to the vertical oscillatory movement, where tandem axles can move up and down to absorb impacts and adapt to uneven terrain. In addition, the rods (4) and (6) are applied on only one side, increasing the stresses on the terminals, which can promote premature wear of these parts.

[009] The second registration number MU9002320-0 describes a hydraulic steering axle equipped with a bar (02) that connects the first steering axle to the second steering axle, using only one steering bar. Petition 870250004495, dated 20 / 01 / 2025, page 7 / 15 / 5 (04) as well as only one alignment bar (02) for the two steering axes. The movement of the wheel coupling system (01) occurs by means of a linear actuator (03) driven by the vehicle's original hydraulic steering system.

[010] In this second prior art, in addition to its characteristics and configuration being similar to the first prior art, the movement depends on the vehicle's hydraulic system, increasing the load and fatigue on the system, since all of this hydraulic system, from hoses and pump to working pressure, is generally designed to serve exclusively the vehicle, and not integrated surplus equipment. Another problem involves the complexity of the assembly when adding an actuator driven by the vehicle's own hydraulics, increasing the chance of mechanical failure.

[011] The proposed solution offers a significant advance over conventional tandem axle systems, providing superior mechanical stability and improved steering efficiency. The strategic arrangement of the stabilizer and alignment bars, combined with the steering capability of tandem axles, represents a substantial innovation in the field of heavy transport vehicles, resolving critical limitations observed in existing technologies.

[012] The development of this system seeks to solve problems of instability, wear and maneuverability in heavy vehicles equipped with tandem axles. The use of stabilizer and alignment bars in strategic positions improves directional control, facilitates wheel alignment and reduces unwanted torsional torque on the axles. Description of the figures

[013] The present inventive activity will be described in greater detail below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to its preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings below, in which: Petition 870250004495, dated 20 / 01 / 2025, page 8 / 15 / 5 Figure 1 illustrates, in isometric view, the preferred configuration of the tandem steering axle assembly with stabilizing and aligning rod system. Figure 2 shows a top view and detail, without the wheels, of each axle interconnected by its respective stabilizing and aligning rod. Figure 3 shows a side view, without the wheels, of the individual insertion of the axles into the tandem suspension bars. Detailed description of the invention

[014] According to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the assembly (1) is formed by tandem steering axles that work independently, since each steering axle (2) is individually inserted into the tandem suspension bars (3) and are interconnected by two stabilizing and aligning rods (4) positioned at the front and rear of the axles (3) and four stabilizing and aligning rods (4') inserted on the upper and lower sides of the same axles (3). All rods (4) and (4') are joined to the axles (3) using terminals (5) (detail A of Figure 2), with threaded alignment systems (4.1) and (4.1') at the ends of said rods (4) and (4').

[015] The front and rear stabilizing and aligning rods (4) limit lateral displacement, increase structural rigidity, stabilize oscillatory movements during transport and their threaded alignment systems (4.1) serve to keep each wheel (6) exactly in the same position as the other. The side stabilizing and aligning rods (4') have the function of containing lateral movements, improving load distribution between the tandem axles and can also help in the correct positioning of the wheels with their threaded alignment systems (4.1').

[016] The stabilizing and aligning rods are made of high-strength, heat-treated steel to withstand high mechanical stresses. The shafts are manufactured from reinforced steel alloy, ensuring Petition 870250004495, dated 01 / 20 / 2025, page 9 / 15 / 5 durability and wear resistance.

[017] The wheels (6) can steer along the main steering axle with a drawbar (not shown) or be connected to this main steering axle by means of bars or rods, thus copying the steering movement. The synchronization of the tandem axles allows safe and efficient maneuvers in confined spaces, the stabilizing and aligning rods help to even out the load on the axles, extending the service life of the components, and the structural rigidity of the system minimizes excessive stress on the tires and suspension components.

[018] The set of steerable tandem axles with stabilizing and aligning rod system (1) can be introduced into long-distance road freight transport vehicles, agricultural vehicles, industrial equipment for handling heavy materials, mobile platforms used in civil construction projects, among other applications.

[019] In summary, the present invention represents an innovative and efficient solution for vehicles requiring high stability and handling. The set of tandem steering axles interconnected by stabilizing and aligning rods offers significant mechanical advantages, improving the safety, durability and performance of heavy transport in various commercial applications.

[020] It is worth noting that the inventive activity in question should be understood as representative and not limiting, and may be subject to convenient modifications and updates, provided that such modifications do not deviate from the essence of the proposal. Petition 870250004495, dated 20 / 01 / 2025, page 10 / 15

Claims

CLAIMS 1. STEERING TANDEM AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH STABILIZING AND ALIGNING ROD SYSTEM, CHARACTERIZED by the assembly (1) being formed by independently working tandem steering axles, each steering axle (2) being individually inserted into the tandem type suspension bars (3), the axles (2) being interconnected by two stabilizing and aligning rods (4) positioned at the front and rear of the axles (3) and four stabilizing and aligning rods (4') inserted on the upper and lower sides of the same axles (3), with threaded alignment systems (4.1) and (4.1') at the ends of said rods (4) and (4').

2. STEERING TANDEM AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH STABILIZING AND ALIGNING ROD SYSTEM, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the wheels (6) steer along the main steering axle with a drawbar or are connected to that main steering axle by means of bars or rods.

3. STEERING TANDEM AXLE ASSEMBLY WITH STABILIZING AND ALIGNING ROD SYSTEM, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the steering tandem axle assembly with stabilizing and aligning rod system (1) is introduced into long-distance road freight transport vehicles, agricultural vehicles, industrial equipment for handling heavy materials or mobile platforms used in civil construction projects. Petition 870250004495, dated 01 / 20 / 2025, page 12 / 15

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