Linkage-Mounted Additional Axle for Road Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicles face challenges in meeting road weight regulations while maintaining functionality in the field, as additional axles for weight distribution are often complex, difficult to assemble, and require significant redesign, and existing solutions hinder implement attachment or are not easily adaptable to existing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural machine with a detachable additional axle connected to a linkage system via an elongated part, allowing adjustable attachment and detachment based on operational needs, with a hydraulic system for height adjustment and multiple operation modes to accommodate road and field use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a permanent additional axle is added to the agricultural vehicle, then the weight per axle is decreased to satisfy road weight restrictions, but the operation of the vehicle in the field is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The additional axle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned as needed for road transport and retracted or removed for field operations. The axle can be hydraulically actuated to extend between the front and rear axles when needed for weight distribution on roads, and retracted when field operations require unobstructed access and maneuverability.
2Weight of moving object
If a tag axle is added behind the rear axle, then weight distribution is improved, but implement attachment at the rear of the vehicle is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the additional axle in the traditional position behind the rear axle, the invention positions it between the front and rear axles along the longitudinal dimension. This alternative spatial arrangement allows implement attachment points to remain accessible at the rear of the vehicle while still achieving the desired weight distribution effect across all three axles.
3Weight of moving object
If a complex support tag wheel assembly is added, then road weight regulations can be met, but the device becomes difficult to assemble and requires major redesign of existing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The additional axle system is designed as a separate, modular assembly that can be independently manufactured and then attached to existing agricultural vehicles. This segmentation allows the complex axle mechanism to be produced as a standalone unit with its own mounting brackets and connection points, eliminating the need for major redesign of the vehicle's chassis or frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional axle assembly is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be adapted to various existing agricultural vehicle models. Standardized mounting brackets and connection interfaces allow the same axle unit to be installed on different vehicle types, reducing manufacturing complexity and facilitating easier assembly across multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine has a linkage system for hitching of an implement and an additional axle mounted to the linkage system. The linkage system includes at least one lift arm adjustably mounted to the chassis at an inner end and carrying a fastening device at an outer end. The additional axle is connected to at least one lift arm inboard of the fastening device. The linkage assembly may be a three-point linkage assembly having two lower lift arms, the additional axle being mounted between the lower lift arms.