Hydraulic Axle Coupling for Load Distribution in Harvesters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural harvesters face challenges in distributing load evenly across axles while navigating uneven terrain, leading to increased pressure on individual wheels and potential damage to the soil, especially when driving over bumps or side slopes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled harvester with a chassis supported by at least three axles, where each axle is connected via hydraulic lifting devices to distribute the load evenly across all wheels on the same side, using hydraulic networks to adjust the geometry and preload of the lifting devices to minimize peak pressure on individual wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rigid axle is used without vertical mobility, then the chassis structure is simpler, but the load cannot be distributed evenly over the wheels when driving over bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the axle suspension system movable rather than rigid. The lifting devices enable the axles to adjust their vertical position dynamically in response to terrain variations, allowing the system to adapt to bumps and uneven ground while distributing loads evenly across all wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulics through lifting devices that are hydraulically connected between axles. These hydraulic systems transfer forces and adjust the vertical position of axles, enabling load distribution and roll stabilization without requiring complex mechanical linkages for each individual axle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hydraulic lifting devices are added to all axles for load distribution, then load distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic lifting functions of multiple axles into a single integrated hydraulic network. By hydraulically connecting the lifting devices of different axles, the system achieves coordinated load distribution and roll stabilization through a unified hydraulic circuit, reducing the need for independent control systems for each axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic lifting devices serve multiple functions simultaneously: they support vertical load distribution, provide roll stabilization, and enable the axles to adapt to uneven terrain. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chassis follows the full stroke when driving over a bump, then the axle can adapt to terrain, but rolling and pitching movements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles through the hydraulically connected lifting devices. When one axle encounters a bump and moves upward, the hydraulic connection transfers force to other axles, causing them to move downward or remain stable. This counterbalancing effect reduces the overall rolling and pitching movements of the chassis while maintaining terrain adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If axles are made rigid for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but traction is reduced on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, rigid axle design into a dynamic system where axles can move vertically relative to the chassis through hydraulic lifting devices. This dynamic capability allows the wheels to maintain better contact with uneven terrain, improving traction while keeping the axle construction relatively simple.
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
This solution reduces rolling and pitching movements, improves traction, and minimizes soil damage by evenly distributing the load, enhancing comfort, safety, and reducing wear and tear on the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lifting device of each axle is connected to at least one lifting device of each other of the at least three axles in such a way that the connection is suitable to reduce the load acting on the wheels of one side of the vehicle, distributed to all wheels on the same side of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2b
AI summary
Self-propelled harvesting machine, with a left and right side of the vehicle, with a chassis or body, with at least three axles suitable for receiving wheels or similar rolling devices, wherein these at least three axles or their axle suspension are supported or suspended on the chassis via lifting devices and at least one lifting device of each axle is connected to at least one lifting device of each of the other at least three axles, such that the connection is suitable to distribute the load acting on the wheels of one side of the vehicle to all wheels of the same side of the vehicle.