Adjustable Crawler Support Frame for Obstacle-Climbing Height Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Crawler traveling devices in existing working machines struggle to overcome large obstacles and require adjustable vehicle height for different working conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a vehicle-height changing mechanism with hydraulic actuators to adjust the position of the support frame vertically and a distance changing mechanism to modify the spacing between wheels, allowing for variable vehicle height and tension adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle height is kept constant, then the structure is simple and stable, but the crawler traveling device cannot climb over large obstacles or adapt to different working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to climb obstacles and adapt to working conditionsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the introduction of a vehicle-height changing mechanism. This mechanism includes actuators that can extend or contract to change the vertical position of the support frame relative to the third wheel, enabling the vehicle to adapt its height for climbing obstacles or performing different working operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support frame position is fixed relative to the third wheel, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adjust its height for different working requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle height adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the introduction of a vehicle-height changing mechanism. This mechanism includes actuators that can extend or contract to change the vertical position of the support frame relative to the third wheel, enabling the vehicle to adapt its height for climbing obstacles or performing different working operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle-height changing mechanism employs hydraulic actuators to achieve height adjustment. The hydraulic system provides sufficient force to move the support frame vertically while maintaining compact dimensions. Hydraulic fluid pressure drives the actuators to extend or contract, enabling smooth and controlled height changes for obstacle clearance and working operation adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If the crawler traveling device is designed for high obstacle clearance, then traveling performance improves, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraveling performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the introduction of a vehicle-height changing mechanism. This mechanism includes actuators that can extend or contract to change the vertical position of the support frame relative to the third wheel, enabling the vehicle to adapt its height for climbing obstacles or performing different working operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances traveling and working performance by enabling the crawler traveling device to navigate over large obstacles and adapt to different working conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator that is capable of contracting in the vertical direction and that changes the position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12595006B2Crawler traveling device, and working machine including crawler traveling device

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A crawler traveling device includes a first wheel; a second wheel spaced from the first wheel; a support frame that supports the first wheel and the second wheel; a third wheel disposed above the support frame; an endless crawler wound around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel; and a vehicle-height changing mechanism that changes a position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel. The vehicle-height changing mechanism has an actuator that is capable of contracting in the vertical direction and that changes the position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel.