Double Kingpin Axle Assembly for Tight Turning Radius
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large agricultural vehicles face challenges in using larger tires while maintaining a tight turning radius due to increased wheel size, which can lead to interference with vehicle structures and larger turning radii, and stricter regulatory requirements for vehicle dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double kingpin hinge arrangement with two pivot pins and a knuckle that interconnects them, allowing for increased wheel stance during turns without contacting the vehicle's chassis, and the use of mechanical and fluid locks to control rotation axes, enabling larger tires with a smaller turning radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If larger tires are used to increase traction and reduce soil compaction, then the vehicle's contact surface area with the ground increases, but the turning radius increases and the tires may interfere with vehicle structure
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is segmented into two independent rotation axes: the first pivot pin allows rotation of the knuckle relative to the axle, and the second pivot pin allows rotation of the axle hub relative to the knuckle. This segmentation enables the wheel stance to extend dynamically during turning, increasing the effective turning angle without increasing the overall turning radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed single-axis rotation to a dynamic two-axis rotation system. The effective wheel stance is not fixed but can extend dynamically during turning operations, allowing the wheel to achieve a larger angular displacement while maintaining a compact turning radius.
2Strength
If larger tires are used to improve traction, then the vehicle's stability and grip increase, but the tires may contact and damage the vehicle's frame members and body structure
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is segmented into two independent rotation axes: the first pivot pin allows rotation of the knuckle relative to the axle, and the second pivot pin allows rotation of the axle hub relative to the knuckle. This segmentation enables the wheel stance to extend dynamically during turning, increasing the effective turning angle without increasing the overall turning radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the steering mechanism by introducing a second rotation axis. This alters the path of the wheel during steering, allowing the wheel to achieve larger angular displacement while maintaining a compact turning radius that prevents contact with vehicle structure.
3Device complexity
If a single kingpin hinge arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but the turning angle is limited due to interference with adjacent vehicle body structure
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is segmented into two independent rotation axes: the first pivot pin allows rotation of the knuckle relative to the axle, and the second pivot pin allows rotation of the axle hub relative to the knuckle. This segmentation enables the wheel stance to extend dynamically during turning, increasing the effective turning angle without increasing the overall turning radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds another rotational dimension to the steering mechanism. Instead of a single axis of rotation, the system now has two sequential rotation axes, effectively adding a degree of freedom that enables larger turning angles without increasing the vehicle's width or interfering with body structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An axle assembly (14, 110) for a vehicle includes an axle (16, 116) having opposite axle ends (18, 118) and a pair of axle hubs (20, 120). The axle assembly (14, 110) is characterized by a pair of double kingpin hinge arrangements (22, 114), each including a first pivot pin (32, 122) connected with a respective one of the axle ends (18, 118), a second pivot pin (34, 124) operatively associated with a respective axle hub (20, 120), and a knuckle (28, 126) interconnecting the first pivot pin (32, 122) and the second pivot pin (34, 124). At least one steering cylinder (64, 66, 72, 82, 84, 92, 94, 102, 104) is associated with each double kingpin hinge arrangement (22, 114). Each steering cylinder (64, 66, 72, 82, 84, 92, 94, 102, 104) is interconnected between the axle (16, 116) and the knuckle (28, 126) or the axle hub (20, 120).