Active Bogie Positioning for Work Machine Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forestry work machines and other work machines face challenges with traction, instability, uneven weight distribution, and overloading due to passive bogie systems, which can lead to damage of the propulsion system when traversing uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A bogie positioning system with a beam and rotary joint coupled to the chassis, featuring actuators and a control unit that uses sensors and user input to selectively engage and disengage wheels, adjusting their vertical position to optimize traction, stability, and weight distribution, including modules for speed, object detection, articulation angle, tire pressure, and ride control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive bogie system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the control capability is limited and cannot adapt to varying terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static passive bogie system into a dynamic active system by introducing actuators that can adjust wheel vertical position in real-time. The bogie assembly includes at least one actuator coupled to the beam that can move the wheel between engaged and disengaged states, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives input signals from sensors that detect terrain conditions and machine state, processes this information through a control unit, and generates command signals to actuate the bogie assembly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust wheel engagement based on real-time conditions, significantly improving adaptability while keeping the control architecture organized and manageable.
2Productivity
If all wheels are continuously engaged with the ground, then stability is maintained, but fuel efficiency decreases and component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively engages only the necessary number of wheels based on terrain conditions and machine operation requirements. The control unit can disengage one or more wheels from the ground when full engagement is not needed, reducing rolling resistance and fuel consumption while maintaining sufficient stability for the current operating condition. This partial engagement strategy optimizes the balance between fuel efficiency and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bogie assembly dynamically transitions wheels between engaged and disengaged states based on periodic assessment of terrain conditions and machine state. The control system continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts wheel engagement accordingly, creating a rhythmic pattern of engagement and disengagement that reduces overall component wear and fuel consumption while maintaining stability when needed.
3Strength
If the beam is kept rigid to maintain structural strength, then the bogie cannot adapt to rough terrain, but if the beam is made flexible, then structural strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is designed as a dynamic structure that can actively change its configuration through actuator-driven movement. The beam couples the front and rear wheels while allowing relative motion between them, enabling the bogie to adapt to rough terrain by adjusting wheel positions independently. This dynamic capability maintains structural strength while providing terrain adaptation that a purely rigid or purely flexible beam cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam structure is segmented into sections that can move relative to each other, allowing the bogie to navigate rough terrain by independent wheel adjustment. The beam includes coupling mechanisms that divide the rigid structure into controllable segments, enabling terrain adaptation while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bogie system is simplified to reduce complexity, then control capability is limited, but if more components are added, then reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: receiving sensor inputs, processing terrain condition data, determining optimal wheel engagement states, and generating actuator command signals. This multi-functional control architecture provides advanced control capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby maintaining system reliability. The actuator also performs multiple roles including wheel engagement, position adjustment, and force application.
Data Source
AI summary
A bogie positioning system and method for a work machine. The bogie positioning system adapted to selectively engage a wheel of a work machine to a ground surface through a bogie assembly wherein the bogie assembly may have a front wheel coupled to a rear wheel through a bogie coupling mechanism. The bogie coupling mechanism comprising a beam with a rotary joint. The rotary joint allowing the front wheel to rotate about a rotary axis relative to the rear wheel. The beam is coupled to a chassis of the work machine with at least one actuator coupled to the beam. A control unit is in communication with the bogie assembly, a user input interface, and a plurality of sensors, generating command signals to actuate the actuator based on the input signals, thereby selectively engaging the front wheel or the rear wheel with the ground surface.