Adjustable Axle Assembly With Segmented Steering Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle assemblies for vehicles face challenges in adjusting track width without subjecting steering actuators to unnecessary forces and limiting maximum track extension, while also exposing components to environmental wear and particulate ingress.

Innovation Solution

The axle assembly features a central housing with a movable housing that adjusts between retracted and extended configurations using track actuators, with a steering actuator that moves as a unit and is not required to extend, and includes bushings and bellows to minimize exposure to environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the steering actuator extends to compensate for the extension of the track actuator, then the track width can be adjusted, but the steering actuator is subjected to unnecessary forces (impact, vibration) and its integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustmentVSAvoidsteering actuator integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The axle assembly is divided into separate functional segments: the track actuator (first actuator) independently controls track width adjustment, while the steering actuator (second actuator) independently controls steering angle. This segmentation allows each actuator to perform its dedicated function without compensating for the other's movement, eliminating unnecessary forces on the steering actuator during track adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting assembly with a mounting plate acts as an intermediary between the movable housing and the steering actuator. The mounting plate is spaced from the lateral wall of the movable housing, creating a mounting structure that allows the steering actuator to move as a unit with the axle assembly during track adjustment, preventing direct exposure to extension forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the steering actuator extends to compensate for the extension of the track actuator, then the track can be extended, but the maximum track extension is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack extension capabilityVSAvoidmaximum track width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the track adjustment function (first actuator) from the steering function (second actuator), the design eliminates the need for the steering actuator to extend during track adjustment. This allows the track to be extended to greater widths without being constrained by the stroke limits of the steering actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the axle assembly is extended, then the track width increases, but components are exposed to external environment causing wear and particulate ingress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustmentVSAvoidenvironmental wear and particulate ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A bellows structure is used to cover the movable housing and seal the space between the movable housing and the central housing. This flexible membrane structure allows the movable housing to extend and retract while maintaining a sealed environment, preventing particulate ingress and reducing environmental exposure to components during track width adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If the mounting plate is fixedly coupled to the movable housing, then the steering actuator can be mounted, but the steering actuator is exposed to forces during track adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting assembly configurationVSAvoidsteering actuator protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate serves as an intermediary structure that is fixedly coupled to the movable housing but positions the steering actuator in a location where it moves as a unit during track adjustment. This intermediary mounting structure protects the steering actuator from direct exposure to extension forces while maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11560017B2Adjustable axle assembly for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 AXLETECH INTERNATIONAL IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An axle assembly for a vehicle. A movable housing is movably positioned within a closed channel defined by a central housing. The movable housing moves the axle assembly between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A mounting assembly may be coupled to and spaced from the movable housing and slidably positioned adjacent the central housing. A steering actuator is coupled to a steering arm and the mounting assembly such that the steering actuator moves as a unit. A track assist bracket may be fixedly coupled to the central housing and define a gap sized to slidably receive a mounting plate of the mounting assembly. A bushing may be disposed on each wall of a telescoping portion of the movable housing. A bellows may be provided to enclose exposed portions of the bushings in the extended configuration. Methods of adjusting the track of the axle assembly are also disclosed.