Agricultural Machine Chassis With Central Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural application machines, such as crop sprayers, face limitations in maneuverability due to large minimum turning radii, which result in crop loss and restricted access to corners and edges of fields with complex shapes, and are hindered by narrow rural highways that restrict wheel separation and steering angles.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled agricultural machine with a chassis featuring a single central longitudinal beam that suspends at least a pair of steerable wheels, allowing increased steering angles without exceeding highway width constraints, along with an asymmetric storage tank and strategically positioned engine and fuel tank for improved stability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional chassis structure is used with wide track width, then stability is improved, but the steering angle is limited and turning radius increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the steering mechanism from the horizontal plane (wheel rotation) to the vertical plane (wheel elevation). By allowing wheels to be raised and lowered independently, the system achieves turning capability through vertical displacement rather than horizontal rotation, thereby maintaining a narrow track width while effectively reducing the turning radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, adaptable configuration. The wheels can independently change their vertical position and orientation, allowing the vehicle to dynamically adjust its geometry based on operational needs - maintaining stability during transport and achieving sharp turning angles during field operations.
2Length of stationary object
If large diameter wheels are used to achieve sufficient ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but the steering angle is further reduced and turning radius increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on horizontal wheel rotation for steering, the system introduces vertical wheel movement as an additional degree of freedom. This allows the large-diameter wheels to maintain ground clearance while achieving effective steering through combined vertical elevation and angular rotation, rather than being constrained to horizontal turning only.
3Device complexity
If the cab is positioned on top of the chassis, then structural support is simplified, but forward visibility for the driver is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cab is extracted from its conventional position on top of the chassis and relocated to the front of the vehicle. This separation allows the cab to be positioned independently for optimal visibility while the chassis structure remains simplified and focused on its primary function of supporting the tank and propulsion systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the engine is positioned above the chassis, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance accessibility is difficult and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is extracted from the upper position above the chassis and relocated to ground level at the rear of the vehicle. This allows maintenance personnel to access the engine from the rear without needing to climb onto the chassis, significantly improving safety and ease of repair while the tank occupies the upper space for optimal space utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A self-propelled agricultural application machine (10) comprising a chassis (100) which carries a storage tank (15) for the material to be applied is provided. The chassis (100) comprises a central longitudinal beam (110) from which at least a pair of wheels (12, 14) are suspended. The narrow chassis (100) allows steerable wheels to be positioned at tolerable track widths whilst permitting a large steering angle and thus small turning radii.