Oscillating Wheel Drive Connection for Slope Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small agricultural tractors face instability and operator discomfort on sloping terrain due to fixed rear drive wheels, which cannot be effectively adjusted like larger tractors, and existing solutions are costly and impractical for small tractors with narrow wheel gauges.
Innovation Solution
A device with an oscillating support and auxiliary shaft allows controlled vertical movement of drive wheels relative to the tractor frame, maintaining a narrow wheel gauge and efficient drive transmission, using a hydraulic cylinder or other actuators for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed solid connection of drive wheels to tractor frame is used, then structural simplicity and sturdiness are improved, but vehicle stability and operator comfort on sloping terrain deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed rigid connection with an oscillating support system that allows the drive wheels to move vertically relative to the tractor frame. The oscillating support can pivot on a horizontal hinge axis, enabling the wheel assembly to adjust its position dynamically in response to terrain variations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the tractor to maintain stability on sloping terrain while preserving structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional articulated oscillating arm system with double universal joint is used, then vertical excursion capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex double universal joint mechanism from the traditional articulated oscillating arm system. Instead, it uses a simplified oscillating support that pivots on a horizontal hinge axis, directly connecting the wheel assembly to the tractor frame. This extraction of the unnecessary universal joint component significantly reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the essential vertical excursion capability needed for slope adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wheel connection system into independent oscillating support units for each drive wheel. Each oscillating support can move independently on its horizontal hinge axis, allowing individual wheel adjustment without affecting the other wheel. This segmented approach simplifies the overall system compared to a coupled articulated mechanism while providing the needed adaptability.
3Length of moving object
If narrow wheel gauge is maintained for small tractor design, then maneuverability in narrow rows is improved, but vertical excursion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing vertical movement capability through the oscillating support mechanism without increasing the horizontal wheel gauge width. The oscillating support pivots on a horizontal hinge axis positioned above the wheel assembly, allowing the wheels to move vertically (in the vertical dimension) while maintaining the narrow horizontal spacing required for maneuverability in narrow cultivation rows. This resolves the contradiction by adding adaptability in one dimension without compromising the constrained dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a device (100) for connecting a wheel to a vehicle (620) comprising: an input shaft (620) able to be kinematically connected to an engine of a vehicle and having a rotation axis (C); an oscillating support (120) able to be hinged to a vehicle frame (T) along a predetermined horizontal hinge axis (B) parallel to and distanced from the rotation axis (C) of the input shaft (620); an auxiliary shaft (125) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); a wheel-bearing hub (110) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); first transmission means (625) able to transmit the motion from the input shaft (620) to the auxiliary shaft (125); second transmission means (130) able to transmit the motion of the auxiliary shaft (125) to the wheel-bearing hub (110).