Adjustable Wheel Transmission Structure for Riding Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riding work vehicles face issues with fixed ground clearance, leading to potential contact with agricultural produces and instability when traversing ridges, and existing solutions for adjusting clearance are cumbersome or prone to mechanical failures under outdoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A riding work vehicle with a vertically oriented transmission shaft and case that can expand/contract, allowing adjustable ground clearance through a hydraulic operation type vehicle height adjustment mechanism, and a low-cost, durable detection system for hydraulic cylinder operation amounts using a screw shaft and rotation detection sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the vertically oriented transmission case is made long in the vertical direction to secure large ground clearance, then the ground clearance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the double tubular construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the inner tubular member inside the outer tubular member, forming a compact double-tubular structure. The inner tubular member contains the vertically oriented transmission shaft, while the outer tubular member serves as the transmission case. This nested arrangement achieves the required ground clearance without excessive structural complexity, as the two tubular members share the same vertical space rather than requiring separate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the inner tubular member movable relative to the outer tubular member along the vertical direction. This allows the transmission case to adjust its effective length dynamically, enabling ground clearance adjustment while maintaining a compact stored configuration. The movable inner tubular member can extend or retract within the outer tubular member based on operational requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the vertically oriented transmission shaft and case are made long in the vertical direction to achieve high clearance, then the ground clearance is improved, but the stability deteriorates when traversing ridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the inner tubular member to move vertically within the outer tubular member. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the transmission case to adapt its height to maintain optimal ground clearance while traversing different terrain conditions. When crossing ridges, the system can adjust the effective length to prevent excessive height that would cause instability, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high clearance and maintaining stability.
3Measurement precision
If a fixed electrode and movable electrode system is used to detect hydraulic cylinder operation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates under outdoor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical capacitance-based detection system with a mechanical detection system. Specifically, it uses a groove formed on the inner tubular member and a protrusion that engages with this groove. The movement of the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member causes the protrusion to move along the groove, providing a reliable mechanical indication of operation amount. This mechanical system is more resistant to environmental factors such as moisture and vibration compared to electrical systems, thus improving reliability while maintaining measurement capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the inner tubular member is made movable to enable ground clearance adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces complexity by nesting the inner tubular member within the outer tubular member. This arrangement allows the movable component to be contained within the stationary structure, eliminating the need for separate housings or complex mounting mechanisms. The nested design provides a compact and integrated solution for ground clearance adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a groove-protrusion mechanism as an intermediary between the movable inner tubular member and the stationary outer tubular member. This simple mechanical interface enables controlled movement and position indication without requiring complex actuators or sensors. The groove guides the protrusion, providing both movement constraint and position detection in a single integrated feature.
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
Enables optimal ground clearance adjustment for smooth operation and stability, reducing the risk of contact with agricultural produces and maintaining durability in outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a screw shaft (66) movable together with one of the first member (62) and the second member (63), the screw shaft having a helical blade (65) on an outer circumferential portion thereof; a sliding contact member (67) provided in the other of the first member (62) and the second member (63), the sliding contact member (67) coming into sliding contact with the helical blade (65) in association with relative movement between the first member (62) and the second member (63), thereby to rotatably guide the screw shaft (66)
Data Source
AI summary
In a riding work vehicle, power of an engine is transmitted to a traveling wheel via a horizontally oriented transmission shaft and a vertically oriented transmission shaft. The traveling wheel is supported to be changeable in direction about a rotational axis of the vertically oriented transmission shaft. Each of the vertically oriented transmission shaft and a vertically oriented transmission case is provided as an inner/outer double structure expandable/contractible in association with sliding movement thereof. The vertically oriented transmission case is supported to be pivotable together with the traveling wheel. There is provided a vehicle height adjustment mechanism capable of switching, in a plurality of steps, a relative height of the traveling wheel relative to a vehicle body frame.