Axle Suspension Track Width Adjustment Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle suspension systems require adjustments to the entire steering system when changing the track width of a transport vehicle, leading to increased effort and time, as the geometric relationships at the axle change with the widening of the vehicle frame.

Innovation Solution

An axle suspension system with an axle support mounted to rotate about an axis and connected to a steering lever, allowing the axle support to be displaced along an adjustment path without altering the steering system, enabling quick and reliable track width adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the track width is changed by adjusting the wheel bogies relative to the chassis, then the track width is adjusted, but the entire steering system must also be adjusted, leading to increased effort and time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustmentVSAvoidtime for changing track width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the track width adjustment function from the steering system. The axle support is made independently adjustable on an adjustment path while the steering lever and steering system remain fixed. This segmentation allows track width changes without requiring steering system adjustments, directly resolving the time and effort problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle support is designed with dynamic adjustability along a fixed adjustment path. The combination of a fixed steering system with a dynamically adjustable axle support position enables track width variation without compromising steering geometry, eliminating the need for coordinated steering adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the track width is changed by adjusting the wheel bogies relative to the chassis, then the track width is adjusted, but the entire steering system must also be adjusted, leading to increased effort and time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustmentVSAvoideffort for changing track width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the track width adjustment function from the steering system. The axle support is made independently adjustable on an adjustment path while the steering lever and steering system remain fixed. This segmentation allows track width changes without requiring steering system adjustments, directly resolving the time and effort problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the axle support is made displaceable on an adjustment path, then track width can be changed quickly without steering system adjustments, but the structural complexity of the suspension system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of track width adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of axle suspension system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle support is designed with dynamic adjustability along a fixed adjustment path. The combination of a fixed steering system with a dynamically adjustable axle support position enables track width variation without compromising steering geometry, eliminating the need for coordinated steering adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment path mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables track width adjustment, maintains proper steering geometry, and allows for both infinite and stepped adjustment options. This multi-functionality achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9533706B2Axle suspension

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 J G B D CONSULT

AI summary

An axle suspension has an axle support mounted in a swivel so as to rotate about an axis of rotation and a steering lever that is connected with the axle support in torque-proof manner and can be pivoted about the axis of rotation. The axle support accommodates at least one wheel axle and is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the axis of rotation, in the wheel axle direction, on an adjustment path.