Laterally Pivoting Front Axle Assembly for Tractor Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural working machines, such as tractors, face challenges in maneuverability and driving comfort due to undesirable lateral movements between the front axle assembly and the chassis, which are exacerbated by increasing power requirements and larger exhaust gas treatment systems, impairing steering and mobility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a laterally pivoting front axle assembly using an actuator articulated on both the front axle and chassis, allowing for defined lateral movement compensation and increased steering angle, combined with a Watt mechanism for stabilization, and a space-efficient arrangement of steering and actuator components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front axle assembly is made movable to adapt to uneven ground and steering movements, then the maneuverability of the working machine is improved, but undesirable lateral movements between the front axle assembly and chassis occur, adversely affecting driving comfort
Solution Approach 1:
A lateral positioning device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the front axle assembly and the chassis. This device actively compensates for lateral movements by adjusting the lateral position of the front axle assembly relative to the chassis, thereby maintaining driving comfort while preserving the maneuverability benefits of the movable front axle design.
2Power
If more powerful drive motors are installed to meet increasing power requirements, then the power of the working machine is improved, but the installation space requirement increases, impairing the steering and maneuverability of the work machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lateral pivoting mechanism that moves the front axle assembly in a lateral dimension rather than only vertically or longitudinally. This dimensional approach allows the front wheels to be moved away from the chassis during steering operations, achieving larger steering angles and improved maneuverability without requiring additional installation space that would conflict with larger drive motors.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
An agricultural machine, in particular a tractor, comprises a chassis (10) and a front axle assembly (12) with a front axle (26) and steerable front wheels (28) arranged thereon, and a front axle support (30) which is rigidly connected to the front axle (26) and pivotably connected to a bearing (32) on the chassis (10). According to the invention, at least one actuator (38) is provided for pivoting the front axle assembly (12) laterally, wherein the actuator (38) is articulated to the front axle (26) and the chassis (10).