A device for correcting deviation in thrust angle of an axle of a multi axle vehicle

Abstract

A device (100) for correcting deviation in thrust angle of an axle (210) of a multi axle vehicle (200) is disclosed. The device (100) includes a platform (10) with a support member (12) extending upwardly to support a cylinder assembly (20). The cylinder assembly (20) is positioned perpendicularly between at least two axles (210) of the vehicle. The cylinder assembly (20) comprises a cylinder (22) with a chamber (24) having a pair of pistons (25) movable between an extended position and a retracted position via a piston rod projecting outwardly. A hydraulic fluid and a compressed air sources are fluidly connected to cylinder (22) for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to act on one side of the pair of pistons (25) to actuate from retracted position to extended position to correct the thrust angle. The compressed air is supplied to act on other side (25b) opposite to the one side (25a) of each of the pair of pistons (25) to actuate from the extended position to the retracted position.

Description

Technical Field

[001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more particularly to a devicefor correcting deviation in a thrust angle of an axle of multi axle vehicles.BACKGROUND

[002] In general, heavy-duty vehicles like buses, tractor trailers, and trucks etc., havemultiple axles. Usually, these vehicles include multiple axles at a rear of the vehicle, alsoreferred as rear axles, and in some vehicles such multiple axles can be provided in the frontend. In case of multiple axles at the rear end, the multiple rear axles are configured parallel toa front axle of the vehicle. Traditionally, thrust angle is used to confirm if the rear axle isparallel to its front axle and to confirm if a wheelbase on both sides of the vehicle is inline.Thrust angle is an angle made by an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the rear axle and acenterline of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1. Deviation in the thrust angle is caused byeveryday use of the vehicle, any collision, and repeated impacts due road conditions such asuneven potholes or hard bumps. An increase in the thrust angle will alter drivability, and thedriver will experience a sense handling abnormality like a pull in one direction of the vehicle,and / or different vehicle behavior when turning left or right. Therefore, thrust angle isconsidered one of the most important diagnostic angles during any wheel / axle alignment.

[003] Elimination of an improper thrust angle is a difficult task, which might requiresignificant repair to bring the axle(s) back into proper alignment. Conventionally, wheelalignment jacks are used for correcting the thrust angle. These wheel alignment jacks have twocurved arms, which can be positioned between the tires (wheels) of two rear axle, for applyinga leverage against the tires and to adjust the thrust angles. These curved arms are hydraulicallyoperated by a foot pedal and are configured to move away from each other to apply the leverageagainst the tires until a desired thrust angle is reached. However, these conventional wheelalignment jacks damage the tires of the vehicle, as the curved arms exert very high force on thetires during thrust angle correction. As a result, the life of the tire after correction issignificantlyreduced. Moreover, accuracy in correction of the thrust angle with the conventional wheelalignment jacks is very poor.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] In an embodiment, a device for correcting deviation in thrust angle of an axleof a multi axle vehicle is disclosed. The device may include a platform defined with a base anda support member extending upwardly from the base. Further, a cylinder assembly is securedto the support member. The support member is configured to position the cylinder assemblyperpendicularly between at least two axles of the multi axle vehicle. The cylinder assemblycomprises a cylinder defined with a chamber. The cylinder assembly includes a pair of pistonsmovably positioned in the chamber and each of the pair of pistons is movable between anextended position and a retracted position within the chamber. A piston rod projects outwardlyfrom each of the pair of pistons. The device further includes a hydraulic fluid source fluidlyconnected to the cylinder. The hydraulic fluid source is being configured to supply pressurizedhydraulic fluid to the chamber in between the pair of pistons such that hydraulic fluid acts onone side of each of the pair of pistons to actuate the pair of pistons from the retracted positionto the extended position. The pair of pistons in the extended position act on the at least one axleto correct the thrust angle. Further, a compressed air source is fluidly connected to the cylinder.The compressed air source is configured to supply compressed air to the chamber such thatcompressed air acts on other side opposite to the one side of each of the pair of pistons toactuate the pair of pistons from the extended position to the retracted position.

[005] In an embodiment, each of the piston rod is detachably coupled with a shaftthat projects outwardly from each end of the cylinder in the extended position such that eachshaft is enclosed by a tube connected to the cylinder.

[006] In an embodiment, the hydraulic fluid source comprises a motor forpressurizing the hydraulic fluid. The motor is driven by the compressed air source.

[007] In an embodiment, the device comprises a first port provided on the cylinderand in between the pair of pistons. The first port is fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluidsource via the motor to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid into the chamber. Further, a secondport is provided on either side of the first port on the cylinder. The second port is fluidlyconnected to the compressed air source to supply compressed air on other side opposite to theone end of the pair of pistons.

[008] In an embodiment, second port is fluidly connected to the compressed airsource via a Tee joint to supply compressed air on other side opposite to the one end of the pairof pistons.

[009] In an embodiment, the first port and the second port are enclosed within ahousing. The housing is securely supported by the cylinder assembly.

[010] In an embodiment, a pressure of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied that actson one side of each of the pair of pistons is greater than a pressure of compressed air suppliedthat acts on other side opposite to the one side of each of the pair of pistons.

[011] In an embodiment, at least one first valve is in fluid communication with thehydraulic fluid source and the motor to control the supply of the hydraulic fluid into the motor.Further, at least one second valve is in fluid communication with the compressor air source andthe motor to control the supply of compressed air into the motor. Also, at least one third valveis in fluid communication with the compressed air source and the cylinder assembly to controlthe supply of compressed air into the cylinder via the second port.

[012] In an embodiment, the platform comprises plurality of wheels coupled to abottom of the base. The wheels are configured to move and position the cylinder assemblyperpendicular to the at least two rear axles of the multi axle vehicle.

[013] In an embodiment, the motor is in fluid communication with the cylinderassembly is an air hydraulic motor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serveto explain the disclosed principles.

[015] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a thrust angle formed by axle betweenat least two axles of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[016] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic bottom prespective view of a deviceconfigured between at least two axles of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

[017] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a cylinder assembly thedevice used for correcting the thrust angle in extended position of, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

[018] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic sectional view of the cylinder assembly ofFigure. 2 in retracted position;

[019] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the device of Figure. 1; and

[020] Figure 6 illustrates a fluid circuit diagram of a hydraulic fluid source and acompressed air source connected with the cylinder assembly, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[021] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawingsto refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles aredescribed herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the followingdetailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated bythe following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed.

[022] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a device for correctingdeviation in thrust angle of an axle of a multi axle vehicle which is efficient and accurate. Thedevice is also compact and can be accommodated on axles of the vehicle unlike arranging ontires, thereby preventing potential damage to the tires. The device operates in combination ofhydraulic and air pressure which is inexpensive for thrust angle correction.

[023] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference toFigures.1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions areindicated by the same reference signs.

[024] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 6 which are exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure illustrating a device for correcting deviation in thrust angle of an axle 210of a multi axle vehicle 200 [also referred as "device 100"]. As will be understood, the device100 may be configured for vehicle comprising multiple axles and may be employed in any typeof vehicle having two or more axles at a rear end or a front end of the vehicle. Further, thedevice 100 may be employed in axles of different types of multi axle vehicle such as fuel based,electric or hybrid electric vehicles.

[025] As shown in Figure. 2, the vehicle 200 includes at least two rear axles 210.The device 100 is positioned between the two rear axles 210 for correcting deviation in thrustangle of one of the axles 210. The device 100 comprises a platform 10 defining a base 11 anda support member 12. The support member 12 extends upwardly from the base 11. In anembodiment, the base 11 includes a bottom and an upper surface. The support member 12extends from the upper surface of the base 11. The support member 12 is configured to securelysupport a cylinder assembly 20. The support member 12 may be configured as an elongatedmember extending upwardly from the base 11 such that cylinder assembly 20 is secured to thesupport member 12. The support member 12 is configured to position the cylinder assembly20 perpendicularly between at least two axles 210 of the multi axle vehicle 200. In anembodiment, the support member 12 may be coupled to the cylinder assembly 20 by at leastone of fastening, thermal or adhesive means, or provided with a provision to accommodate thecylinder assembly 20 or by arranging a supporting bracket to allow coupling of the cylinderassembly 20 with the support member 12. Further, the platform 10 includes a plurality ofwheels 90 that are coupled to the bottom surface of the base 11. The plurality of wheels 90allow movement of the platform 10 supporting the cylinder assembly 20. This facilitatespositioning of the cylinder assembly 20 perpendicular to the at least two rear axles 210 of themulti axle vehicle 200. Further, the plurality of wheels 90 can be for example, a castor wheelor any other wheel that facilitates the rolling action when in contact with a ground surface. Inan embodiment, the platform 10 may include one or more stoppers provided at the base, forremovably fixing the platform 20 with the ground surface.

[026] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cylinder assembly 20 comprises a cylinder22 defined with a chamber 24. In an embodiment, the cylinder 22 may be a longitudinallyextending in the mid-section. In an embodiment, at least one tube is defined at a first end 22aand a second end 22b of the cylinder having the chamber 24 therebetween. The chamber 24 isconfigured to accommodate a pair of pistons 25. The pair of pistons 25 is movably positionedin the chamber 24 such that each of the pair of pistons 25 is movable between an extendedposition (Figure 3) and a retracted position (Figure 4). Each of the piston of the pair of pistons25 are configured such that one side 25a of the piston 25 face towards each other. Further, otherside 25b opposite to the one side 25a of the each of the pair of pistons 25 is connected to apiston rod 26. The piston rod 26 projects outwardly from each of the pair of pistons 25. Thepiston rods 26 are enclosed by a cover connected to the cylinder 22. In an embodiment, the atleast one tube may be coupled by at least one of mechanical fastening means, thermal oradhesive means. Further, each of the pair of piston rod 26 is detachably coupled with a shaft27. The shaft 27 projects outwardly from a respective piston rod 26. In an embodiment, eachshaft 27 may extend outwardly from each end of the at least one tube connected to first end22a and second end 22b of the cylinder 22, respectively. Further, each shaft 27 is coupled tothe each of the piston rod 26 such that each shaft 27 are configured opposite to each other andare enclosed by the cylinder 22. In an embodiment, each of shaft 27 and the pair of the pistonrods 26 are provided with complementary threaded grooves to couple with each other. In anextended position, the pair of pistons 25 are configured to move away from each other causingconnected the piston rod 26 the shaft 27 to extend from each end of the at least one tubeconnected to the first end 22a and the second end 22b of the cylinder 22 as shown in Figure 3.

[027] Further, the device 100 comprises a hydraulic fluid source 30 fluidlyconnected to the cylinder 22. The hydraulic fluid source 30 is configured to supply pressurizedhydraulic fluid to the chamber 24 in between the pair of pistons 25. The hydraulic fluid source30 include a tank to store the hydraulic fluid. In an embodiment, the hydraulic fluid may havea viscosity suitable to acts on the pair of pistons 25. The hydraulic fluid source 30 also includesa motor 60 fluidly coupled the tank and configured to the pressurize the fluid supplied to thechamber 24. In an embodiment, the first port 50 is provided on the cylinder 22 in between thepair of pistons 25. The hydraulic fluid acts on one side 25a of each of the pair of pistons 25 toactuate the pair of pistons 25 from the retracted position to the extended position. Thus, thepair of pistons 25 in the extended position act on the at least one axle 210 to correct the thrustangle.

[028] The device further includes a compressed air source 40 fluidly connected tothe cylinder 22. The compressed air source 40 is configured to supply compressed air to thechamber 24. In an embodiment, the compressed air source 40 may include a compressor whichmay be at least one of rotary screw, vane, reciprocating air compressors and the like. Thecompressed air is supplied to the chamber 24 through a second port 55. In an embodiment, thesecond port 50 is provided on either side the cylinder 22. The compressed air acts on other side25b opposite to the one side 25a of each of the pair of pistons 25 to actuate the pair of pistons25 from the extended position to the retracted position. The second port 55 is fluidly connectedto the compressed air source 40 via a Tee joint 56 to supply compressed air on other side 25bopposite to the one end 25a of the pair of pistons 25. In an embodiment, each of the secondport 55 is fluidly connected to the Tee join 56 through a conduit. The first and the second portmay be in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid source 30 and the compressed airsource 40 via at least one duct 31, 41 respectively. The first port 50 and the second port 55 areenclosed within a housing 58. The housing 58 is securely supported by the cylinder assembly20.

[029] Referring to Figure 6, the device 100 comprises valves in fluid communicationwith the hydraulic fluid source 30 and the compressed air source 40 to control the supply ofthe hydraulic fluid and compressed air into the chamber 24. In an embodiment, the device 100comprises at least one first valve 70 in fluid communication with the tank and the motor 60 tocontrol the supply of the hydraulic fluid via the motor 60 into the first port 50. The at least onefirst valve 70 is disposed between the tank and the motor 60. Further, at least one second valve75 in fluid communication with the compressor air source 40 and the motor 60. This secondvalve 75 is configured to control the supply of compressed air into the motor 60 to operate themotor 60 to allow suction of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid source 30 and into thecylinder 22 via the first port 50. The at least one second valve 75 is disposed betweencompressed air source 40 and the motor 60. In an embodiment, the hydraulic fluid source (30)in fluid communication with the motor (60) for pressurizing the hydraulic fluid. Further, themotor (60) is driven by the compressed air source (40). This air hydraulic motor 60 comprisesat least one provision to receive and utilize the compressed air supplied from the compressedair source 40 for pumping / suction of the hydraulic fluid from the tank, thereby pressurizingthe hydraulic fluid. A second provision may be provided on the motor 60 to facilitate supplyof pressurized hydraulic fluid into the chamber 24 via the first port 50. The device also includesat least one third valve 80 in fluid communication with the compressed air source 40 and thecylinder assembly 20 to control the supply of compressed air into the cylinder 22 via the secondport 55. The at least one third valve 80 is disposed between the compressed air source 40 andthe cylinder assembly 20. In an embodiment, a pressure of pressurized hydraulic fluid that actson one side 25a of each of the pair of pistons 25 is greater than a pressure of compressed airthat acts on other side 25b opposite to the one side 25a of each of the pair of pistons 25. Insome embodiments, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid may range about 350 Bar to 450 Bar.The pressure of the compressed air may range about 8 Bars to 10 Bars. In an embodiment, thecompressed air source 40 and the motor 60 are provided within an enclosure 42 and configuredabove the hydraulic fluid source 30 as shown in Figure 5. This configuration allows ease ofaccess of motor 60 with the compressed air source 40 and the hydraulic fluid source 30, therebyreduces number of fluid connections.

[030] In an operational embodiment, the device having the cylinder assembly 20may be towards the axles of the vehicle 200 and is positioned perpendicularly between at leasttwo axles 210. The device includes a lever or push pedal (not shown in Figures) coupled withthe cylinder assembly 20 and connected to the hydraulic fluid source 30 and the air compressor40 such that pressing of the lever / push pedal allows supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid intothe chamber 24. This pressurized fluid acts on one side 25a of each of the pair of pistons 25causing the pistons to slidably move away from each other. This results in shafts 27 to movestowards ends of the cylinder in the extended position thereby correcting the thrust angle of theone axle of the at least two axles, such that the other axle of the at least two axles may act as asupport. Further, once the shafts 27 are in extended position, the lever / the push pedal is pressedto cause the compressed air source 40 to supply compressed air into the chamber 24 using thesecond port 55 that acts on other side 25b opposite to the one side 25a of each of the pair ofpistons 25. This pressure of compressed air will cause each of the pair pistons 25 to slidablymove towards each other, thereby retracting each shaft 27 within the cylinder 22. The cylinderassembly 20 may be defined with one or more sleeves 29 provided at each end of the cylinder22 to restrict an extension of each shaft 27 with respect to the cylinder 22 to desired distance.The sleeves may be provided with damping members to absorb impact and forces generateddue to movement of the shafts 27 towards extended position. Also, the pair of pistons 25 areprovided with sealing rings.

[031] In an embodiment, size of the cylinder assembly 20 having the pair of pistons25, piston rod 26 and the shafts 27 may vary depending on the application. In an embodiment,a plurality of seals may be provided over the pair of pistons 25 for fluidly seal of each side ofthe pair of pistons 25 about the cylinder 22. Further, the plurality of seals may be providedover the shaft to fluidly seals with the at least one tube to prevent leakage of pressurized fluidinto the at least one tube and the compressed air into mid-section of the cylinder 22, when thedevice is operational between extended position and retracted position.

[032] The above subject matter discloses a device 100 which provides ease ofhandling and without a need of skilled person to operate. Further, device 100 includes acylinder assembly, that is easy to assemble thereby reducing overall manufacturing andoperating costs. Further, the device 100 delivers accurate thrust angle correction as the deviceis directly mounted between the two axles 210. Moreover, by employing the pressurizedhydraulic fluid and compressed air to slidably move pair of pistons enables less consumptionof energy and power to drive the device.

[033] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.List of reference numeralsReference number Description100 Device for correcting deviation in thrust angle200 Vehicle210 Axle of the vehicle10 Platform11 Base12 Support member20 Cylinder assembly22 Cylinder22a First end of cylinder22b Second end of cylinder24 Chamber25 Pair of pistons25a One side of pair of pistons25b Other side of pair of pistons26 Pair of pistons27 Shaft29 Sleeves30 Hydraulic fluid source31 At least one duct40 Compressed air source41 At least one duct42 Enclosure50 First port55 Second port56 Tee Coupler58 Housing60 Motor70 At least one first valve75 At least one second valve80 At least one third valve90 Plurality of wheels

Claims

1. A device (100) for correcting deviation in thrust angle of an axle (210) of a multi axle vehicle (200), the device (100) comprising: a platform (10) defined with a base (11) and a support member (12) extending upwardly from the base (11); a cylinder assembly (20) secured to the support member (12), wherein the support member (12) being configured to position the cylinder assembly (20) perpendicularly between at least two axles (210) of the multi axle vehicle (200), the cylinder assembly (20) comprising: a cylinder (22) defined with a chamber (24); a pair of pistons (25) movably positioned in the chamber (24), wherein each of the pair of pistons (25) movable between an extended position and a retracted position within the chamber (24); a piston rod (26) projecting outwardly from each of the pair of pistons (25); a hydraulic fluid source (30) fluidly connected to the cylinder (22), wherein the hydraulic fluid source (30) being configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the chamber (24) in between the pair of pistons (25) such that hydraulic fluid acts on one side (25a) of each of the pair of pistons (25), to actuate the pair of pistons (25) from the retracted position to the extended position, wherein the pair of pistons (25) in the extended position act on the at least one axle (210) to correct the thrust angle; and a compressed air source (40) fluidly connected to the cylinder (22), wherein the compressed air source (40) being configured to supply compressed air to the chamber (24) such that compressed air acts on other side (25b) opposite to the one side (25a) of each of the pair of pistons (25) to actuate the pair of pistons (25) from the extended position to the retracted position.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the piston rod (26) is detachably coupled with a shaft (27) that projects outwardly from each end of the cylinder (22) in the extended position such that each shaft (27) is enclosed by a tube connected to the cylinder (22).

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic fluid source (30) comprises a motor (60) for pressurizing the hydraulic fluid, and wherein the motor (60) is driven by the compressed air source (40).

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first port (50) defined in the cylinder (22) in between the pair of pistons (25), wherein the first port (50) is fluidly connected to the hydraulic fluid source (30) to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid into the chamber (24); and a second port (55) defined on either side of the first port (50), wherein the each of the second port (55) is fluidly connected to the compressed air source (40) to supply compressed air on other side (25b) opposite to the one end (25a) of the pair of pistons (25).

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, the each of the second port (55) is fluidly connected to the compressed air source (40) via a Tee coupler (56).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first port (50) and the second port (55) are enclosed within a housing (58), wherein the housing (58) is securely supported by the cylinder assembly (20).

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied that acts on one side (25a) of each of the pair of pistons (25) is greater than a pressure of compressed air supplied that acts on other side (25b) opposite to the one side (25a) of each of the pair of pistons (25).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises at least one first valve (70) in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid source (30) and the motor (60) to control the supply of the hydraulic fluid into the motor (60), at least one second valve (75) in fluid communication with the compressed air source (40) and the motor (60), to control the supply of compressed air into the motor (60); and at least one third valve (80) in fluid communication with the compressed air source (40) and the cylinder assembly (20) to control the supply of compressed air into the cylinder (22) via the second port (55).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform (10) comprises plurality of wheels (90) coupled to a bottom surface of the base (11), wherein the plurality of wheels (90) is configured to move and position the cylinder assembly (20) perpendicular to the at least two rear axles (210) of the multi axle vehicle (200).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (60) in fluid communication with the cylinder assembly (20) is an air hydraulic motor.