Modular Chassis Bracing Structure for Shear-Loaded Tilt Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machines and implements experience significant shear and bending forces on modular lateral tilting chassis joints during operation, leading to potential joint rupture, especially when working on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A bracing system with a transversally aligned supporting tower and adjustable tie rods connected to adjacent sections, which can be actuated to vertical position, providing rigidity and resistance to shear and bending forces, and includes adjustable tie rods connecting to the furthest section from the central draw bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lateral tilting chassis sections are connected through joints to allow vertical movements for following soil unevenness, then the machine can adapt to terrain variations, but significant shear and bending forces are generated on the joints during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to follow soil unevennessVSAvoidresistance to shear and bending forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing system is divided into multiple segments: a supporting tower positioned between adjacent sections, and tie rods connecting these sections. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute shear and bending forces across multiple components rather than concentrating them at the joints, while still permitting vertical movements for terrain adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting tower acts as an intermediary element between the adjacent lateral sections. It provides a rigid connection point that transfers and distributes the shear and bending forces generated during operation, preventing direct stress concentration at the joints while maintaining the ability to follow soil unevenness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the modular lateral tilting chassis is used to reduce width for transport, then the machine can comply with roadway regulations, but the joints experience excessive effort that may lead to rupture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse widthVSAvoidjoint durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing system with supporting tower and tie rods is pre-installed on the modular lateral tilting chassis before operation. This preliminary structural reinforcement is in place to prevent joint rupture from occurring during subsequent operation, especially when the chassis is tilted for transport compliance with roadway regulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracing system serves as a preventive measure that cushions against excessive forces before they can cause joint rupture. The supporting tower and tie rods create a rigid framework that absorbs and distributes the stresses generated during tilting and operation, protecting the joints from damage before failure can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the lateral tie rods are used for lateral chassis tilting, then the sections can tilt relatively to the central chassis, but the sections farthest from the central chassis experience maximum shear and bending effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral chassis tilting capabilityVSAvoidshear and bending forces on distant sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting tower is positioned transversally between adjacent sections, creating a new spatial dimension for force distribution. This vertical structure adds a third dimension to the force transmission path, allowing shear and bending forces to be distributed both laterally and vertically, thereby reducing the maximum forces experienced by the most distant sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12514146B2Bracing system applicable to a modular chassis for agricultural machines and implements

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 STARA SA IND DE IMPLEMENTOS AGRI

AI summary

A mode of a bracing system applicable to a modular chassis for agricultural machines and implements, which considerably attenuates or reduces shear and bending effects on the joints (A) between the modular sections of the tilting lateral chassis during the respective working operations of the agricultural machine/implement. A bracing structure (1) made up of a supporting tower (2) arranged transversally and horizontally aligned facing the respective joint (A) between adjacent sections, the section closest (B) to the central drawbar (F) of the machine and the immediately adjacent section (D), adjustable tie rods (3) being arranged at the top of tower (2), the ends of which are rigidly connected to and draw these adjacent sections (B) and (D); the supporting tower (2) being tilted to a vertical position, under the action of an actuator or actuators (4) when the machine is switched from the working position to the transport position.