Multi-Width Dual Wheel Axial Spacing Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual wheel arrangements for vehicles, such as agricultural machinery, are limited to fixed spacings, requiring different dual wheels or mounting arrangements for varying spacings, which is not adaptable to different crop row spacings and field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-width dual wheel arrangement using a dual wheel spacer and clamping ring that allows selective mounting of dual wheels at multiple axial spacings along the rolling axis, enabling the dual wheel to be positioned at first, second, and third spacings, corresponding to common crop row spacings, without the need for specialized dual wheels or mounting arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spacing dual wheel arrangement is used, then the mounting structure is simple, but the adaptability to different crop row spacings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the dual wheel assembly to be dynamically repositioned along the agricultural implement's width. This enables the same mounting structure to accommodate multiple crop row spacings (e.g., 30 inches, 22 inches, 20 inches) by adjusting the lateral position of the dual wheel assembly, rather than requiring fixed positioning for each spacing configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different dual wheel assemblies and positioning configurations. The structure includes standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable positioning mechanisms that work across multiple spacing requirements, allowing a single mounting structure to serve multiple functions for different crop row spacings and dual wheel configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If different specialized dual wheels are used for each spacing, then the wheel spacing precision is accurate, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual wheel assembly is segmented into separable components including the dual wheel unit, mounting brackets, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows the wheels themselves to remain standardized while only the mounting components need adjustment for different spacings. The segmented design enables precise spacing control through modular reconfiguration rather than requiring completely specialized wheel assemblies for each spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls wheel spacing by changing the positional parameters of the mounting assembly rather than changing the wheels themselves. Adjustable positioning mechanisms allow the dual wheel assembly to be laterally displaced to precise positions corresponding to different crop row spacings, maintaining spacing precision through parameter adjustment rather than through specialized wheel manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable dual wheel positioning is implemented, then the versatility for different field conditions is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure includes pre-configured positioning stations or predetermined adjustment positions that correspond to common crop row spacings. These preliminary positioning features guide the operator to the correct spacing configuration without requiring complex measurements or calculations during field operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates intermediary positioning mechanisms such as adjustable brackets, lateral displacement devices, or indexing systems that mediate between the operator's simple adjustment input and the precise wheel positioning requirement. These intermediary mechanisms translate simple operator actions into accurate wheel spacing configurations, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-width dual wheel arrangement and method utilize a dual wheel spacer and a clamping disk for selectively mounting a dual wheel having a rim to a first wheel at a desired axial spacing of the dual wheel from the first wheel along a rolling axis of the dual and first wheels. The clamping ring is positioned outboard of the rim to clamp the rim between the clamping ring and the spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a first axial spacing from the first wheel along the rolling axis. The clamping ring is positioned inboard between the rim of the dual wheel and the dual wheel spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a second axial spacing from the first wheel. A third axial spacing is provided by configuring the rim to have a convex surface that may be electively positioned facing toward or away from the first wheel.