Forest Machine Two-Part Chassis Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forest machines face instability and increased surface pressure due to the higher center of gravity caused by longer crawler-track units, which leads to strain on swing bearings and higher manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A forest machine design featuring a two-part chassis with rigidly attached wheels and a load space positioned low between the wheels, allowing for longer wheel structures and even load distribution, reducing the center of gravity and improving stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If longer crawler-track units are used to increase the area of contact and reduce surface pressure, then the surface pressure on the ground is reduced, but the center of gravity rises and stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface pressureVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The forest machine is divided into two separately pivotable chassis (first chassis and second chassis), allowing independent adjustment and optimization of each section's weight distribution and support characteristics, thereby maintaining stability while using longer crawler-track units for reduced surface pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters by transitioning from a single rigid chassis to two pivotably connected chassis sections, enabling adjustment of the center of gravity position and weight distribution to maintain stability despite increased crawler-track length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If longer crawler-track units are used to reduce surface pressure, then the area of contact increases, but the vertical path of motion increases causing the load space to be placed higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea of contactVSAvoidcenter of gravity position

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the machine into two chassis sections allows the load space to be positioned lower on the second chassis while the first chassis supports the engine and operator cab, maintaining a lower overall center of gravity despite longer crawler-track units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two-part chassis configuration allows redistribution of components in the longitudinal dimension, placing the load space on the second chassis below the crawler-track unit, effectively lowering the center of gravity while maintaining contact area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the load space is placed higher to accommodate longer crawler-track units, then the crawler-track units can swing freely, but the center of gravity rises causing unstable behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswing capabilityVSAvoidlateral stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The two-chassis design with central pivot allows the first chassis to support the operator cab and engine at a higher position while the second chassis carries the load space lower, maintaining lateral stability while preserving crawler-track swing capability through the pivot connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If swing bearings are reinforced to handle higher loads from elevated load space, then durability improves, but manufacturing costs and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the chassis into two parts, the load space is positioned lower on the second chassis, reducing the vertical distance and leverage forces on swing bearings, which decreases the reinforcement needed and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3634114B1Forest machine

Publication Date: 2022.08.24 PONSSE OY

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a forest machine (10), which includes - a chassis (12) of at least two parts, comprising a first chassis (14) and a second chassis (16) pivoted consecutively by a central pivot (36), - sets of wheels (18) arranged in connection with both the first chassis (14) and the second chassis (16), - an engine (22) for creating drive power, - power transmission (24) for transmitting power, comprising a power transmission (24.1) of the first chassis (14) and a power transmission (24.2) of the second chassis (16), and - a load space (26) for transporting a load, supported on the second chassis (16), in which the said second chassis (16) includes two longitudinal parts (48) attached to each other at least in front of the load space (26), and the load space (26) extends between the longitudinal parts (48) in the vertical direction of the forest machine (10). The power transmission (24.2) of the second chassis (16) is arranged in the second chassis (16) in front of the load space (26) in the direction of travel of the forest machine (10), between the central pivot (36) and the load space (26), in order to distribute power to the drive wheel (25) of each set of wheels (18) of the second chassis (16) from in front of the load space (26), and each said drive wheel (25) in the second chassis (16) is installed in the second chassis (16) a fixed position relative to the longitudinal length of the second chassis ( 16 ).