Adjustable Wheelbase for Self-Propelled Agricultural Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural machines face challenges in achieving optimal weight distribution between working and transport positions, leading to suboptimal wheel contact with the ground, which affects traction and stability.
Innovation Solution
The distance between the first and second wheel axles is adjustable based on the position of the elongated unit, allowing for optimal weight distribution by varying the wheelbase, which can be automatically or manually controlled, using a displacement mechanism such as a cylinder and shaft for reliable and cost-effective adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel base distance between first and second wheel axles is fixed, then the structure is simple, but optimal weight distribution cannot be achieved between working and transport positions
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel base distance between the first and second wheel axles is made variable rather than fixed. The distance can be adjusted between a first distance when the elongated unit is in the working position and a second distance when the unit is in the transport position. This dynamic adjustment allows optimal weight distribution for both operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of wheel base distance is changed based on the operational state of the machine. By varying this geometric parameter, the weight distribution on the wheel axles is optimized for different working conditions, transitioning from a fixed parameter design to a variable parameter design.
2Reliability
If ballast weights are added to optimize weight distribution in working position, then traction is improved, but the overall weight of the machine increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using static ballast weights, the invention employs a dynamic wheel base adjustment mechanism that adapts the distance between axles based on the operational position. This eliminates the need for additional ballast weights while maintaining optimal weight distribution, thereby reducing overall machine weight and fuel consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the wheel base is shortened for better maneuverability in working position, then turning circle is reduced, but stability at higher speeds during transport is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel base distance is made dynamically adjustable to provide different optimal configurations for different operational states. A shorter distance improves maneuverability during field operations, while a longer distance enhances stability during high-speed transport, allowing the machine to adapt to each condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled agricultural machine, for example a self-propelled merger, said self-propelled agricultural machine being provided with at least one motor, at least one elongated unit for carrying out, in use, an agricultural operation on the land, a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle located at a distance from the first wheel axle, wherein the first wheel axle and/or the second wheel axle I s/a re to be driven by the motor for moving the agricultural machine, wherein the elongated unit is movable from a transport position to a working position and vice versa, so that the maximum width of the self-propelled agricultural machine in the unit's transport position is less than in the unit's working position.