Rear Crawler Swing Shaft Positioning for Traction and Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles face challenges in traction, turn ability, and performance when running through paddy fields due to the positioning of the swing shaft in the front-back direction of the body.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle with a position change mechanism that moves a swing shaft in the front-back direction of the body, allowing it to be positioned optimally for traction, turning, or running through paddy fields, using an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the swing shaft is positioned at a fixed location, then the structure is simple, but the traction and turn ability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The swing shaft is made movable along the rear axle in the longitudinal direction through a position change mechanism driven by a hydraulic actuator. This dynamic positioning capability allows the swing shaft to be adjusted between a first position for improved traction and a second position for reduced turn radius, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal position of the swing shaft is changed by varying the extension length of the actuator. By adjusting this parameter, the system can optimize performance for different operating conditions - achieving better traction when the swing shaft is at the first position and smaller turn radius when at the second position
2Ease of operation
If the swing shaft is positioned forward, then the turn radius is reduced, but the traction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the swing shaft position based on operational requirements. When turning is needed, the actuator moves the swing shaft to the second (forward) position to reduce turn radius. When traction is needed, the swing shaft is positioned at the first (rearward) position to maximize ground contact and friction force
3Force
If the swing shaft is positioned backward, then the traction is improved, but the turn radius increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position change mechanism allows the swing shaft to be moved backward to the first position when maximum traction is required, such as when climbing slopes or moving heavy loads. When maneuvering in tight spaces is needed, the actuator repositions the swing shaft forward to the second position to achieve a smaller turn radius
4Power
If the front wheels apply high ground contact pressure, then the drive force is increased, but the paddy field is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing drive force solely through wheel power, the invention utilizes the longitudinal movement of the swing shaft as an additional degree of freedom. By adjusting the swing shaft position, the system optimizes the leverage and mechanical advantage of the drive system, achieving sufficient drive force without necessarily increasing front wheel ground contact pressure that would damage the paddy field
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
Improves traction by ensuring rear crawler units maintain ground contact and reduces the minimum turn radius, enhancing turnability while minimizing damage to paddy fields.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend and contract in the front-back direction of the body
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle includes: a body; left and right front wheels provided for the body; and left and right rear crawler units (8) provided for the body. The rear crawler units (8) each include: a drive wheel (16) provided for a rear axle (15) of the work vehicle; a front idler wheel (17) forward of the drive wheel (16); a rear idler wheel (18) backward of the drive wheel (16); a plurality of roller wheels (19) between the front idler wheel (17) and the rear idler wheel (18); a crawler belt (20) wound around the drive wheel (16), the front idler wheel (17), the rear idler wheel (18), and the plurality of roller wheels (19); a track frame (21) swingable about a swing shaft (26) that extends in a left-right direction of the body and holding the front idler wheel (17), the rear idler wheel (18), and the plurality of roller wheels (19); and a position change mechanism (22) configured to move the swing shaft (26) in a front-back direction of the body.