Idler Wheel Weight for Adjustable Ballast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work machines face challenges in achieving variable weight distribution and ballast, as existing components often require significant modifications or additions, which can complicate aesthetics and increase the machine's footprint.

Innovation Solution

A wheel weight system is introduced, where a removable wheel weight is coupled to the idler wheel using distinct fasteners, allowing for adjustable weight distribution without expanding the machine's footprint. The system includes a central axis with wedges and apertures for secure fastening, enabling easy alignment and attachment to the idler wheel and drive frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to improve weight distribution and ballast, then weight distribution capability is improved, but machine footprint and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distribution capabilityVSAvoidmachine footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The weight is nested within the existing idler wheel structure by coupling the weight to the idler wheel, allowing the weight to be contained within the existing footprint of the work machine while still achieving variable weight distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to improve weight distribution and ballast, then weight distribution capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distribution capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The weight distribution function is merged with the existing idler wheel assembly by coupling the weight to the idler wheel, creating a unified component that maintains aesthetic appearance while achieving variable weight distribution capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If conventional components are used for weight distribution, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidapplication variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The weight distribution system is made dynamic and adjustable by using removable fasteners that allow the weight to be easily attached and detached from the idler wheel, enabling adaptation to different applications while maintaining relatively simple structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The weight distribution capability is made variable by allowing different weights to be coupled to the idler wheel through removable fasteners, enabling parameter changes in weight distribution to accommodate different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11643155B2Idler weight for drive track assembly

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A work machine may include an drive frame, a drivable track coupled to the drive frame, an idler wheel coupled to the drive frame to facilitate movement of the drivable track, and a wheel weight coupleable to the idler wheel. The wheel weight may be coupled to the idler wheel without removing the idler wheel from the drive frame.