Dolly Axle Frame Rotation for Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dolly axles with steerable wheelsets are complex and expensive due to the large number of moving components, which complicates their design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A dolly axle design featuring a rotatable drawbar with adjustable settings to control the angle between the drawbar and the longitudinal direction of the dolly axis, utilizing non-steerable wheelsets and mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic actuators to achieve steerability, allowing for adaptive curvature matching with the towing vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steerable wheelsets are used to enable turning, then the dolly axle can achieve steering capability, but the number of moving components increases making the structure complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of steering the wheelsets relative to the frame, the patent inverts the approach by making the frame rotatable relative to the tow bar. The wheelsets remain fixed to the frame, so when the frame rotates, the wheelsets automatically change direction. This inversion reduces complexity by eliminating steerable wheelset mechanisms while achieving the same steering capability through frame rotation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical transmission means are added to transmit rotary movements to steering levers, then steering control is achieved, but the number of moving components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical transmission means from the system. Instead of using transmission mechanisms to connect rotary movements to steering levers, the design allows the frame to rotate freely relative to the tow bar, directly achieving steering control without intermediate transmission components. This reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable drawbar with adjustable settings is used, then adaptability to different routes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through a rotatable frame that can change its orientation relative to the tow bar during operation. The frame's rotation angle can be adjusted to match different route requirements, providing adaptability without complex mechanisms. The dynamic nature of the rotation allows real-time adaptation to varying operational conditions while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The axle (2) has a frame (4) defining a longitudinal direction of the axle, and a saddle coupling plate (8) arranged at the frame. A wheel set (12) is attached at the frame in a rigid manner, and comprises an individual wheel suspension. A traction rail (6) is rotatably fastened opposite to the frame. An adjustable positioning unit (20) is provided for adjusting predetermined angle between the traction rail and the direction. A control unit controls the positioning unit, and a rotating part (14) is connected with the traction rail and rotatable around a rotational axis (7). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a trailer combination (2) a method for controlling a dolly axle.