Hydraulic Track-Width Adjustment for Stable Off-Road Running Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track-width adjustment systems for vehicles, such as those used in forestry and agriculture, are not economical and lack efficient force transmission mechanisms, leading to instability on difficult terrain.
Innovation Solution
The system employs hydraulic cylinders with components fixed to the frame and displaceable components that transmit forces transversely, replacing traditional support elements and allowing for adjustable track widths, ensuring stable connection of running gears to the frame, and using double-acting hydraulic cylinders for compact and versatile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support elements are used for connecting running gears to the frame, then the structure is simple, but the force transmission is inefficient and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support element and hydraulic cylinder into a single integrated component. The displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinder simultaneously serves as the support element that connects the running gear to the frame, eliminating the need for separate support structures and improving force transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinder performs multiple functions: it provides structural support to connect the running gear to the frame, transmits forces between these components, and enables track width adjustment through hydraulic displacement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic cylinders are used for track width adjustment, then the adjustment capability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is merged with the support element, where the displaceable component serves dual purposes as both the actuator for track width adjustment and the structural support connecting the running gear to the frame. This integration reduces the total component count while maintaining adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder's displaceable component is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, transmitting forces, and enabling track width adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve adaptability without proportionally increasing component complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If separate support elements and hydraulic cylinders are used, then the functions are clear, but the system is less economical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support element and hydraulic cylinder into a single integrated component structure. The displaceable component of the hydraulic cylinder serves as both the support element and the actuator, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained separately
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated displaceable component performs multiple functions including structural support, force transmission, and track width adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity and improves economy by eliminating the need for separate dedicated support elements and hydraulic cylinders
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 more economical and stable track-width adjustment mechanism, enabling secure footing on challenging terrain and allowing for various attachments like cable winches or plant care equipment, with the option for remote control and reduced need for a driver's cab.
Implementation Method 1
The track width is adjusted via hydraulic cylinders which cause a displacement of the running gear relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
the guide is designed to transmit forces between the displaceable component and the frame transversely to the displacement direction of the displaceable component
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle according to the invention has a frame, a first running gear and a second running gear, wherein the two running gears are arranged on opposite sides of the frame and are mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the frame by means of hydraulic cylinders for changing the track width. Each hydraulic cylinder here includes a component fixed to the frame and a component which can be displaced relative to the frame, wherein the first and second running gears 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 displacement direction of the displaceable component.