Hydraulic Track Width Adjustment With Integrated Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle track width adjustment systems are costly and lack efficient force transmission between the frame and running gear, limiting their effectiveness in varying terrain and attachment applications.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydraulic cylinders with components fixed to the frame and displaceable relative to it, designed to transmit forces transversely, replaces traditional support elements, allowing for adjustable track width and power transmission, with double-acting cylinders and guide elements ensuring stability and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional support elements are used for mounting chassis on the frame, then the structure is simple, but the force transmission between frame and running gear is inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidhydraulic cylinder integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic cylinder's displaceable component is integrated with the support element, merging the force generation function with the force transmission function. The guide on the frame transmits forces transversely to the hydraulic cylinder axis, allowing the same component to perform both support and actuation functions, thereby improving force transmission efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions: it generates force for track width adjustment, transmits forces transversely through the guide, and maintains structural support. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate support elements, improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic cylinders are used for track width adjustment, then the adjustability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrack width adjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the hydraulic cylinder with the support element and using the guide for transverse force transmission, the design eliminates the need for separate, expensive components. The merged structure reduces part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full track width adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic cylinder system performs multiple functions including adjustment and force transmission, reducing the need for additional specialized components. This multi-functionality lowers overall system cost while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate support elements and hydraulic cylinders are used, then the functions are distinct, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional clarityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element and hydraulic cylinder are merged into a single integrated assembly where the displaceable component serves both support and actuation functions. The guide ensures proper force transmission, maintaining functional clarity while reducing component count and overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a cost-effective and stable track width adjustment system that enhances vehicle stability and versatility in different terrains and attachment uses, enabling efficient power transmission and compact vehicle design.

Implementation Method 1

each hydraulic cylinder comprises a component fixed to the frame and a component displaceable relative to the frame, wherein the first and second chassis are each fastened to the displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinders, and the displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinders is displaceably guided in a guide on the frame, wherein the guide is designed to transmit forces between the displaceable component and the frame transversely to the direction of displacement of the displaceable component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4446205A1Vehicle with track width adjustment
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 PFANZELT MASCHENBAU
  • EP4446205A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4446205A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4446205A1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

The vehicle according to the invention comprises a frame, a first chassis, and a second chassis, wherein the two chassis are arranged on opposite sides of the frame and are slidably mounted relative to the frame by means of hydraulic cylinders to change the track width. Each hydraulic cylinder comprises a component fixed to the frame and a component slidable relative to the frame, wherein the first and second chassis are each attached to the slidable component of the hydraulic cylinders, and the slidable component of the hydraulic cylinders is slidably guided in a guide on the frame, the guide being designed to transmit forces between the slidable component and the frame transversely to the direction of movement of the slidable component.