Integrated Fluidic Suspension for Agricultural Tractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional independent wheel suspensions for agricultural vehicles face limitations in stability, spring deflection, and compactness, with air spring bellows systems offering limited spring deflection and requiring additional damping elements, while also being bulky.
Innovation Solution
An independent wheel suspension design that integrates a fluidic spring and damping element within a steering column, allowing for large spring deflections and compact installation, with the option to include a drive motor and pressure reservoirs, enabling effective damping and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If air spring bellows systems are used for wheel suspension, then spring deflection is provided, but the system becomes bulky and requires additional damping elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and damping element into a single integrated unit. The spring element (15) is arranged inside the damping element (17), creating a compact assembly that provides both spring deflection and damping functions without requiring separate components. This merging resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for additional damping elements while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is nested within the damping element, with the spring element (15) positioned inside the hollow cylindrical structure of the damping element (17). This nesting arrangement allows the spring to provide deflection while the outer damping element provides both structural support and damping function, achieving maximum space efficiency and eliminating the bulkiness associated with separate spring and damper assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional independent wheel suspensions are used, then wheel independence is achieved, but stability and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of spring and damping functions into a single element provides both vertical suspension (independence) and rotational stability. The damping element (17) acts as both the mounting structure and the stabilizing component, preventing unwanted rotations while allowing vertical movement. This resolves the contradiction by providing wheel independence through vertical suspension while simultaneously ensuring stability through the integrated damping structure.
3Reliability
If additional damping elements are added to spring systems, then damping performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element (17) is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural mounting element for the wheel, provides damping forces to control wheel movement, and acts as the housing for the spring element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping components, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving damping performance through the integrated design.
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
The solution provides a stable, compact, and highly effective wheel suspension system with large spring deflections and integrated damping, enhancing vehicle ground clearance and mobility, particularly suitable for agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
coupled to a fluidic spring and/or damping element, which forms a supporting part of the fork bridge
Implementation Method 2
coupled to a fluidic spring and/or damping element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A single-wheel suspension (1) for a steerable wheel (37) of a vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, transport vehicle, or special-purpose vehicle, is disclosed. The single-wheel suspension (1) comprises a steering column (17) which interacts via a fork bridge (7) with a linear guide (5) movable in an approximately vertical direction (A), wherein the fork bridge (7) forms a steering connection to a vehicle frame (39) that is pivotable about an approximately vertical axis of rotation (B). Furthermore, the linear guide (5) is coupled to a fluidic damping element (9) which forms a load-bearing component of the fork bridge (7). The damping element (9) comprises a damping cylinder designed as the steering column (17). The damping element (9) further comprises one or more pressure reservoirs (11) with connections (13), wherein the pressure reservoirs (11) are fluidically connected to the damping cylinder via piping systems.