Load-Carrying Frame with Rolling Link for Articulated Tracked Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current load-carrying structures for tracked forestry vehicles limit load distribution and manoeuvrability, restricting the vehicle's ability to follow terrain and increasing ground damage due to uneven load distribution and limited steering angles.

Innovation Solution

A load-carrying frame that allows for rotational and pivotal attachment to both front and rear vehicle units via rolling links and steering links, enabling central load distribution, improved stability, and enhanced steering capabilities, allowing for equal sizing of track assemblies and reduced ground pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional articulated link section is used to connect front and rear vehicle units, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the load distribution is uneven and manoeuvrability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle structureVSAvoidload distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into separate front and rear vehicle units connected by an articulated link section, allowing independent movement and improved load distribution across the terrain. Each unit can adapt to ground conditions independently while maintaining connection through the articulated joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated link section provides dynamic connectivity between vehicle units, permitting relative angular motion about a vertical axis and rolling motion about a longitudinal axis. This dynamic joint allows the vehicle to adapt its configuration to terrain variations and maintain stable load distribution during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a conventional articulated link section is used to connect front and rear vehicle units, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the manoeuvrability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle structureVSAvoidmanoeuvrability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated joint allows changes in the relative angular position and orientation between front and rear vehicle units, enabling the vehicle to navigate obstacles and follow ground contours while maintaining operational efficiency and improved manoeuvrability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rolling link axis does not run through the load-carrying frame, then the attachment configuration is flexible, but torque arises around the load-carrying frame reducing stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment configurationVSAvoidvehicle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling link axis is positioned asymmetrically to pass through the load-carrying frame, creating a balanced configuration that eliminates torque around the frame. This specific geometric arrangement ensures that the axis of rotation aligns with the frame's longitudinal centerline, preventing rotational moments during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By positioning the rolling link axis through the load-carrying frame, the system achieves a balanced state where no net torque acts on the frame during rolling motion. This equipotential configuration ensures that the gravitational and inertial forces are evenly distributed, maintaining vehicle stability during articulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

The solution enhances load distribution, stability, and manoeuvrability, enabling faster and safer operation while minimizing ground damage through even load distribution and improved steering capabilities, allowing for the use of similar track assemblies and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the load-carrying frame is configured for rotatable attachment to the front vehicle unit via said rolling link for enabling rotation of the front vehicle unit relative to the load-carrying frame about the axis of said rolling link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a roll bearing configuration comprising said rolling link, so as to effectuate rotation of the load-carrying frame relative to the front vehicle unit, about the rolling link axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRoll bearing: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2994370B1Load-carrying frame and vehicle provided with load-carrying frame

Publication Date: 2019.01.02 BAE SYSTEMS HAGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG

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Figure 4a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to load-carrying frame (40) for carrying load of an articulated tracked vehicle (10) comprising a front and a rear vehicle unit (1 1, 12) connected to each other through said load-carrying frame (40), wherein said front vehicle unit (1 1 ) comprises a rolling link (62). The load-carrying frame (40) is configured for rotatable attachment to the front vehicle unit (1 1 ) via said rolling link (62) for enabling rotation of the front vehicle unit (1 1 ) relative to the load-carrying frame (40) about an axis (X) of said rolling link (62) running in the axial main direction of extension of said load-carrying frame (40).