Adjustable Wheelbase for Agricultural Machine Traction and Stability
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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 to alter the wheelbase for different operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the wheel base distance between the first wheel axle and the second wheel axle is increased for stable transport on public highways, then vehicle stability and road handling are improved, but the weight distribution on the wheel axles becomes suboptimal for field operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wheel base distance adjustable rather than fixed. The displacement mechanism enables the wheel base to be dynamically changed between a first distance for field operations and a second distance for transport, allowing the vehicle to adapt its weight distribution and stability characteristics to different operational conditions
2Ease of operation
If the wheel base distance is decreased for better weight distribution and maneuverability during field operations, then traction and turning capability are improved, but vehicle stability during high-speed transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the wheel base distance, allowing the vehicle to switch between a shorter distance for improved maneuverability during field operations and a longer distance for enhanced stability during transport, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and vehicle stability
3Reliability
If ballast weights are added to maintain sufficient weight on the rear axle during working position, then weight distribution is improved, but the overall weight of the agricultural machine increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for ballast weights by dynamically adjusting the wheel base distance. When the elongated unit is in the working position, the displacement mechanism reduces the wheel base distance to automatically improve weight distribution on the rear axle, achieving the desired weight balance without adding extra weight that would increase fuel consumption
Data Source
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 is/are 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.