4-Way Vehicle Leveling via Independent Wheel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle leveling systems have limited capability to compensate for slopes, especially on three-dimensional terrain, and are constrained by vehicle design, leading to reduced traction, increased wear, and potential grain loss during harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A 4-way leveling system that uses multiple sensors to independently adjust each wheel's position relative to the vehicle body, allowing for greater leveling range and capacity, including pitch and roll adjustments, to maintain vehicle balance and optimize grain capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional leveling systems with limited compensation capability are used, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the vehicle cannot maintain level state on three-dimensional sloped terrain, leading to reduced traction and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling system is divided into four independent wheel positioning mechanisms, each capable of individual adjustment. This segmentation allows each wheel to be independently positioned to compensate for three-dimensional terrain slopes, providing comprehensive leveling capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional leveling (pitch and roll only) to three-dimensional wheel positioning by adding lateral movement capability to each wheel. This dimensional expansion enables the vehicle to maintain level state on complex sloped terrain that previously exceeded compensation capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If axle tilting is used for leveling, then the vehicle can compensate for slopes, but the chassis, frame, suspension, and drive train design constraints limit the compensation range
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the entire axle as a unified component, the system segments the leveling function into four independent wheel positioning mechanisms. Each mechanism can adjust its wheel independently without being constrained by chassis design limitations on overall axle tilting, thereby expanding the compensation range
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, independently adjustable wheel positioning mechanisms that can adapt to varying terrain conditions in real-time. This dynamic capability allows each wheel to be positioned optimally for the current terrain, overcoming the static constraints of traditional chassis designs
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent wheel positioning is implemented, then greater leveling range and capacity are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the leveling function into four independent but identical wheel positioning mechanisms. This segmentation provides greater leveling range and capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design, where each mechanism can be designed and controlled independently
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel positioning mechanism is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple leveling operations (pitch, roll, and lateral positioning). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using identical standardized components throughout the vehicle rather than requiring different mechanisms for different wheels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced traction, reduces wear on tilting mechanisms, minimizes energy loss, and prevents grain spilling by maintaining the vehicle in a level state, even on complex terrain, while being compatible with existing vehicles for straightforward upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
Many leveling systems have one or more leveling sensors (e.g., clinometers, tilt meters, etc.) that use gravity, for example, for sensing the slope of terrain
Data Source
AI summary
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide leveling for a vehicle, such as an overland vehicle. A leveling signal is received by a leveling arrangement coupled to the vehicle at a wheel position. The leveling arrangement rotates a rocker plate with respect to the body of the vehicle, changing a location of a wheel coupled to the rocker plate with respect to the body of the vehicle. In an aspect, the leveling signal is based on a first vehicle sensor signal representing a lateral tilt of the vehicle and/or a second vehicle sensor signal representing a pitch angle of the vehicle.