Vehicle Chassis Height Adjustment via Suspension Module
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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 solutions for increasing clearance are complex and require removal or addition of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A suspension module with pivotable spindle and lift cylinders allows the vehicle chassis to adjust between standard and high-clearance positions, using pneumatic circuits to move the vehicle up or down, and strut rods to transfer pivot torque, enabling flexible clearance adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high clearance vehicles are used to process tall crops, then ground clearance is improved, but overall vehicle height exceeds highway restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a suspension module with lift cylinders that enable dynamic adjustment of the chassis height. The system can transition between a lowered position (for highway transport complying with height restrictions) and a raised position (for field operation providing sufficient ground clearance for tall crops). This dynamic height adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the vehicle height adaptable to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of vehicle height through the suspension module. By adjusting the extension/retraction of lift cylinders, the chassis height parameter can be modified between two states: a lowered state for transport and a raised state for field work. This parameter change allows the vehicle to satisfy both highway height restrictions and field ground clearance requirements at different times.
2Length of moving object
If standard height vehicles are used, then transport is easy, but ground clearance is insufficient for tall crops
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension module enables the vehicle to dynamically adjust its height. In transport mode, the chassis is lowered to maintain compliance with highway restrictions. In field mode, the chassis is raised to provide sufficient ground clearance for tall crops. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining low transport height and achieving high ground clearance when needed.
3Length of stationary object
If existing systems increase ground clearance, then clearance is improved, but device complexity increases and requires removal or addition of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension module serves multiple functions: it provides ground clearance adjustment for tall crops, maintains highway compliance during transport, and potentially aids in navigating uneven terrain. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving the ground clearance improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the height adjustment function into an integrated suspension module that combines lift cylinders, struts, and linkage mechanisms into a unified system. This consolidation avoids the need for separate addition or removal of equipment, as the same module handles both transport and field operation requirements, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 the vehicle to maintain adequate clearance for tall crops while allowing for efficient transport and operation at various crop heights without the need for additional or removed equipment, improving operational flexibility and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic circuit configured to move each of the rams within the respective housing of each of the lift cylinders to move the vehicle up or down between the high-clearance and low-clearance positions
Implementation Method 2
first and second strut rods connecting the wheelbox with the ram of a first one of the pair of lift cylinders, and third and fourth strut rods connecting the wheelbox with the ram of a second one of the pair of lift cylinders. The strut rods are configured to extend from the respective lift cylinder to allow the spindle to move relative to the wheelbox while also transferring pivot torque between the wheelbox and the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension module includes a spindle pivotably connected to an axle with a pivot element defining a vertical axis. The spindle has an attachment member and an attachment cap, with outer ends are rigidly interconnected by a pair of lift cylinders. The spindle includes a plate extending between the lift cylinders intermediate the attachment member and cap with the pivot element received between the attachment member and plate. Each lift cylinder has a ram movable within a housing of the lift cylinder. A wheelbox mounts to the wheel and couples with the spindle. First and second strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of one of the lift cylinders, and third and fourth strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of a second lift cylinder. The strut rods allow the spindle to move relative to the wheelbox while also transferring pivot torque between the wheelbox and the spindle.