Hydraulic Adjustable Drive Axle Track for Slope Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with large or voluminous loading capacities face instability and tipping risks on slopes and uneven terrain due to shifting center of gravity, especially when driving along contour lines or turning, and must comply with road width regulations.

Innovation Solution

A device with a driving axle comprising wheel carriers connected to hydraulic cylinders, allowing adjustable track width through a pushrod transmission and double lever mechanism, which adjusts the wheel carriers laterally and lowers the center of gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the track width of the driving axle is increased to improve stability on slopes and uneven terrain, then the vehicle's stability and safety are enhanced, but the vehicle width exceeds road traffic legislation limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidvehicle width
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable track width system using hydraulic cylinders and articulated support carriers. The wheel carriers can be positioned in multiple locations along the driving axle, allowing the vehicle to switch between narrow track configuration for road travel and wide track configuration for off-road operation on slopes and uneven terrain. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed while maintaining compliance with road width regulations during normal travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the driving axle track is widened to increase ground contact area and lower center of gravity, then operational reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic cylinders connected to the wheel carriers and support frame to enable track width adjustment. The hydraulic system provides powerful and controlled movement of the wheel carriers between different positions, allowing reliable adjustment of the driving axle track. This hydraulic mechanism achieves the desired reliability improvement while managing the complexity through a standardized actuation system that can be integrated into the existing vehicle architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the wheel carriers are adjusted laterally while driving to protect operation and wear of components, then component durability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to restricted adjustment conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent service lifeVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables periodic adjustment of the wheel carriers during vehicle operation, allowing the track width to be changed at appropriate intervals or conditions. The system can adjust the wheel carriers laterally while the vehicle is moving at low speeds or during specific operational phases, which protects components from excessive wear by avoiding adjustment under heavy load or at high speeds, while still providing the necessary operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances stability and safety by increasing the vehicle's ground contact area, improving operational reliability, and allowing for higher loading capacity without compromising safety.

Implementation Method 1

connected to at least one valve-controlled hydraulic cylinder (10) for changing the track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3909786B1Device for adjusting the track of a axle of a road and/or off-road vehicle with at least one axle
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 LUOND & CO AG LANDMASCH UND FAHRZEUBAU
  • EP3909786B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3909786B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3909786B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A device (1) for adjusting the track of a driving axle (2, 31) of at least one-axle road and/or off-road vehicle (3), primarily a trailer or a self-propelled motor vehicle, consists of a driving axle (2, 31) arranged transversely to the direction of travel (F, F'), which has wheels (4, 5) at both ends and a mounted support frame (6) for attaching a loading platform, a cargo space or work equipment, wherein the driving axle (2, 31) is connected between the wheels (4, 5) to the support frame (6) arranged above it by load-bearing support elements, wherein the driving axle (2, 31) having wheels (4, 5) that can be driven at the ends is supported by wheel carriers (7, 8) extending horizontally into the track;32, 33) is designed, which are connected to at least one valve-controlled hydraulic cylinder (10) for track adjustment and are laterally and oppositely adjustable by means of articulated support beams (15, 16) with at least one crossbeam (13, 14) arranged above them, forming the support frame (6).