Vehicle Chassis Height Adjustment via Floating Strut Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges in maintaining sufficient ground clearance for tall crops without exceeding highway height restrictions, and existing height-adjustable suspension systems are complex and inefficient in utilizing available space.
Innovation Solution
A suspension module with a module frame pivotably connected to an axle, a wheelbox slidingly coupled with strut rods, and an adjustment actuator that allows the module to shift between standard and high clearance positions, optimizing space usage and simplifying height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high clearance vehicles are used to provide sufficient ground clearance for tall crops, then ground clearance is improved, but overall vehicle height exceeds highway restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a height-adjustable suspension system that allows the vehicle chassis to dynamically change its height. The suspension components can be positioned in different configurations to provide high ground clearance when working in fields with tall crops, and then lowered to meet highway height restrictions during transport, making the vehicle adaptable to different operational and transit conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system enables changing the vertical position parameter of the chassis relative to the ground. By adjusting the suspension extension or retraction, the vehicle can transition between high clearance mode for crop processing and low profile mode for road transport, effectively managing the ground clearance vs. overall height contradiction
2Length of moving object
If standard height vehicles are used for transport, then highway compliance is improved, but ground clearance is insufficient for tall crops
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a dynamically adjustable suspension system that can transition from a low height configuration suitable for highway transport to a high clearance configuration when working in fields. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same vehicle to satisfy both transport requirements and agricultural operation requirements without permanent modification
3Manufacturing precision
If taller suspension components are used to increase ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but space for other vehicle components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system utilizes vertical space along the vehicle's height dimension rather than encroaching on lateral or longitudinal space. By extending the suspension travel vertically, the system achieves increased ground clearance without reducing the available volume for other components in the horizontal planes, effectively using the height dimension to resolve the space conflict
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
Enables efficient height adjustment of the vehicle chassis to accommodate varying crop heights while minimizing the overall height for transport and maximizing space utilization, enhancing operational flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a wheelbox (44) slidingly coupled with the module frame (40) by first and second strut rods (46)
Implementation Method 2
The suspension module further includes first and second stabilizers for selectively coupling the first and second strut rods, respectively, with the wheelbox, wherein the stabilizers move and stabilize the strut rods into any of the operating positions relative to the module frame
Implementation Method 3
The suspension module further includes a suspension assembly operably interposed between the module frame and the wheelbox for regulating motion transfer between the module frame and the wheelbox
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension module for supporting a vehicle chassis includes a module frame pivotably connected to an axle on the chassis and a wheelbox mounted to the wheel and slidingly coupled with the module frame by strut rods. The wheelbox and module frame pivot in unison with respect to the chassis, and the module frame is configured to move between a standard position and a high clearance position relative the wheelbox. The suspension module includes an adjustment actuator coupled with the module frame to shift the frame between the operating positions. The strut rods move from a first position in which bottom ends of the first and second strut rods are below the wheelbox when the module frame is in the standard position to a second position in which the bottom ends are in a higher position relative the first position when the module frame is in the high clearance position.