Bogie Suspension for Even Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle track-module systems face challenges in distributing load evenly among wheels, particularly on uneven ground, leading to increased contact forces and unsprung mass, and lack independent roll-mode movement and load distribution mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A track-module bogie-suspension apparatus with a bogie assembly, load- and ground-responsive suspension joints, and interdependent suspension elements that adjust to ground contours and load changes, incorporating gas-filled and hydraulic components for spring and damping forces, allowing for independent roll motion and even load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid wheel support systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but load distribution among wheels becomes uneven on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into multiple independent bogie assemblies, each with its own suspension elements. This allows each bogie to independently adapt to ground conditions while maintaining overall system simplicity. The segmentation enables localized load adjustment without requiring complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension elements incorporate dynamic characteristics through spring and damper components that automatically adjust to varying loads and ground conditions. The system transitions from static rigid support to dynamic adaptive support, where the suspension elements continuously respond to changes in terrain and vehicle weight distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more suspension elements are added to improve load distribution, then load sharing becomes more even, but unsprung mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
Suspension elements are strategically positioned at specific locations where load distribution benefits are most needed, rather than uniformly distributing mass throughout the system. Each suspension element is placed to optimize local load sharing between adjacent wheels, achieving even load distribution with minimal additional mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system utilizes gas-filled elements that provide spring characteristics without the mass of traditional mechanical springs. The gas-filled design offers high elasticity and load absorption capability while maintaining low mass, effectively reducing unsprung mass while improving load sharing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed axle configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but independent roll-mode movement is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The axle configuration transitions from fixed to dynamic, allowing bogie assemblies to rotate independently about vertical axes. This dynamic capability enables each bogie to adapt its orientation to uneven ground surfaces, providing independent roll-mode movement that improves vehicle stability without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bogie assemblies are pre-configured with suspension elements and rotation capabilities during manufacturing, allowing them to be assembled as complete functional units. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall manufacturing process by enabling modular assembly, where each bogie can be manufactured and tested independently before integration into the vehicle.
4Strength
If higher ground contact forces are used, then load-supporting capability is improved, but ground surface damage and vehicle sinking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle weight is segmented and distributed across multiple bogie assemblies and suspension elements, which in turn distribute loads to multiple ground-contacting wheels. This segmentation of the load path reduces the contact force at each individual ground contact point while maintaining overall load-supporting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system changes the force transmission parameters by introducing elastic and damping characteristics. Instead of direct rigid force transmission to the ground, the suspension elements absorb and modulate forces, reducing peak contact forces while maintaining adequate load support. This parameter change transforms the force profile from impulsive and concentrated to distributed and moderated.
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
The solution achieves high load-supporting capability with lower ground contact forces, minimizes unsprung mass, and ensures even load sharing between axles, independent of vertical load, while allowing for independent roll-mode movement of bogie axes.
Implementation Method 1
The leading and trailing suspension elements may each include a gas-filled component to provide spring force
Implementation Method 2
The leading and trailing suspension elements may each further include hydraulic components
Data Source
AI summary
Track-module bogie-suspension apparatus for attachment to a track module having a frame, a drive wheel and an endless track. The bogie-suspension apparatus comprises (a) a bogie assembly having a bogie mount, at least one rotatable ground-engaging bogie wheel thereon, and forward and rearward bogie-mount connections; (b) first and second load- and ground-responsive suspension joints spaced from one another in a forward/rearward direction; and (c) leading and trailing suspension elements each having an upper end and a lower end, the upper ends of the leading and trailing suspension elements rotatably attached to the first and second suspension joints, respectively, and the lower ends thereof rotatably attached to the rearward and forward bogie-mount connections, respectively.