Adjustable Tandem Wheel Assembly for Variable Wheelbase Lengths

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tandem wheel assemblies for work vehicles, such as motor graders, face challenges in accommodating varying wheelbases and load requirements across different models, leading to complex and costly redesigns with multiple components, while also needing to maintain consistent ground contact and traction over uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A tandem wheel assembly with an adjustable fore-aft spacing mechanism, allowing for varying wheelbase lengths through adjustable wheel end assemblies and tensioning mechanisms, which can be adjusted in the field or during manufacturing, using a single tandem wheel housing that accommodates different wheelbase lengths by sliding or translating the wheel end assemblies relative to the pivot axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tandem wheel housing designs are created to accommodate different wheelbase lengths, then adaptability to different work vehicle models is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different wheelbase lengthsVSAvoidnumber of different tandem wheel housing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal tandem wheel housing design that can accommodate multiple wheelbase lengths through adjustable wheel end assemblies. The housing includes adjustment openings that allow the wheel end assemblies to be positioned at different fore-aft locations, enabling a single housing to serve multiple wheelbase configurations (e.g., 1480mm, 1540mm, 1640mm) without requiring separate housing designs for each model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel end assemblies are designed to be adjustable relative to the tandem wheel housing, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the wheelbase length. The adjustment mechanism enables the wheel end assemblies to slide or translate along the housing to different positions, providing flexibility to adapt to different operational requirements without changing the fundamental housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tandem wheel housing designs are created to accommodate different wheelbase lengths, then adaptability to different work vehicle models is improved, but manufacturing cost and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different wheelbase lengthsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and inventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal tandem wheel housing design that can accommodate multiple wheelbase lengths through adjustable wheel end assemblies. The housing includes adjustment openings that allow the wheel end assemblies to be positioned at different fore-aft locations, enabling a single housing to serve multiple wheelbase configurations (e.g., 1480mm, 1540mm, 1640mm) without requiring separate housing designs for each model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If fixed wheelbase tandem wheel assemblies are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying terrain and wheelbase requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to varying terrain and wheelbase lengths

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel end assemblies are designed to be adjustable relative to the tandem wheel housing, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the wheelbase length. The adjustment mechanism enables the wheel end assemblies to slide or translate along the housing to different positions, providing flexibility to adapt to different operational requirements without changing the fundamental housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11760196B2Tandem wheel assembly with wheel end adjustment

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A tandem wheel assembly for a work vehicle includes a tandem wheel housing having a center opening disposed about a pivot axis and first and second wheel end openings disposed about associated first and second wheel axes that are substantially parallel with the pivot axis. A center sprocket within the tandem wheel housing is rotatable about the pivot axis. First and second wheel end assemblies include first and second wheel end shafts, sprockets and housings. The first and second wheel end sprockets are mounted to the associated shafts and are aligned to engage the center sprocket with at least one chain which transfers rotation of the center sprocket about the pivot axis to rotate the first and second wheel end sprockets about the associated first and second wheel axes. The first and second wheel end housings support the first and second wheel end shafts for relative rotation about the associated first and second wheel axes. The first wheel end housing is adjustably mounted to the tandem wheel housing to vary a first distance between the pivot axis and the first wheel axis.