Adjustable Wheel Track for Hitchable Vehicle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towable vehicles and convoys face challenges with road holding, particularly when oscillation phenomena are transmitted along the convoy, making the last element unstable, especially when it has a narrower track than the rest of the convoy, and individual vehicles benefit from adjustable wheel tracks for improved road holding but not optimally in convoy scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A road motor vehicle design with adjustable wheel tracks between tight and widened positions, allowing optimal interlocking of wheel sets, and a method to control these adjustments automatically based on usage conditions, ensuring optimal road holding whether alone or as part of a convoy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the track of the second set of wheels is kept narrow to allow interlocking with another vehicle, then the vehicle can be hitched together to form a convoy, but the road holding and stability of the vehicle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The track of the second set of wheels is made adjustable between a narrow position (for hitching) and a wide position (for road holding). This dynamic adjustment allows the vehicle to optimize its configuration based on operational mode: when hitched, the track remains narrow for interlocking; when unhitched or under severe road conditions, the track widens to improve stability and road holding.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the track of the second set of wheels is widened to improve road holding, then the stability improves, but the ability to interlock with another vehicle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable track mechanism enables the second set of wheels to dynamically switch between narrow and wide configurations. When hitching is required, the track narrows to allow interlocking; when road holding is prioritized (unhitched state or severe conditions), the track widens to enhance stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the track of the second set of wheels is fixed at a narrow position, then the vehicle can always hitch with another vehicle, but the road holding deteriorates under severe conditions such as high-speed travel or tight bends
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than fixing the track at a narrow position, the invention implements an adjustable track that can widen under severe road conditions (high-speed travel, tight bends) to improve road holding and reliability, while maintaining the capability to narrow for hitching operations.
4Reliability
If the track of the second set of wheels is fixed at a wide position, then the road holding is optimal, but the vehicle cannot interlock with another vehicle to form a convoy
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable track mechanism allows the second set of wheels to narrow when hitching is required, enabling convoy formation. When unhitched, the track can maintain a wide position for optimal road holding, thus resolving the contradiction between convoy capability and road stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Hitchable automobile road vehicle (1), comprising: - a front wheel set (2) and a rear wheel set (3); - an articulation device (6) interposed between the front chassis portion (4) and the rear chassis portion (5); - a front hitch (7) which is movable alternately between a coupled position and an uncoupled position; - a rear hitch (8) which is movable alternately between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. A first wheel set, among the front wheel set (2) and rear wheel set (3), has a fixed track, and a second wheel set, among the front wheel set (2) and rear wheel set (3), has a track which is adjustable between at least two positions: a narrowed position and a widened position.