Agricultural Vehicle Support Frame with Pivotable Rear Axle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges in adapting their track width to meet stability requirements for both field and road use, with existing solutions limiting maximum turning angles in narrow configurations and not optimizing wheelbase for safe road travel or improved turnability in field use.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle features steerable rear wheels connected via pivotable intermediate support elements, allowing the track width to be adjusted between a wider and narrower configuration, which also changes the wheelbase, optimizing stability and turnability based on the intended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the track width is increased to provide stability for larger equipment, then the stability is improved, but the vehicle cannot meet road width limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic track width adjustment system where the rear wheels can be positioned in different configurations. The rear axle assembly includes linkages that allow the rear wheels to move between a wide track position for field stability and a narrow track position for road compliance, making the vehicle adaptable to different operational environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the vehicle by adjusting the rear wheel position. The linkages are designed to modify the track width and wheelbase dimensions, transforming the vehicle from a fixed-geometry configuration to a variable-geometry configuration that can optimize stability for both field and road conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the track width is reduced to meet road limitations, then the road compliance is improved, but the stability during field use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a dynamic configuration system where the rear wheel position can be changed based on operational requirements. For road travel, the rear wheels are positioned in a narrow track configuration to comply with width limitations, while for field operations, the wheels are positioned in a wide track configuration to maximize stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the rear axle geometry through linkages. The system modifies the track width parameter and wheelbase parameter to optimize vehicle performance for different terrains, ensuring road compliance when needed and field stability when operational
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wheelbase is enlarged for stable road travel, then the steering stability is improved, but the turning radius in field use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wheelbase adjustment mechanism where the rear axle assembly can change its position relative to the front axle. The linkages allow the rear wheels to move forward or backward, dynamically changing the wheelbase length to optimize steering stability for road travel while maintaining tight turning capability for field operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wheelbase parameter through mechanical linkages that reposition the rear axle assembly. This parameter change optimizes the vehicle's steering characteristics, providing enhanced stability on roads while preserving maneuverability in confined field areas
4Ease of operation
If the rear wheels are positioned far from the frame for wide track mode, then the field turnability is improved, but the wheelbase becomes smaller reducing road stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system for the rear wheels that adjusts both track width and wheelbase simultaneously. The linkages are designed so that when the rear wheels are positioned far from the frame, they achieve a wide track for field turnability, and when positioned closer, they create a longer wheelbase for road stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Agricultural vehicle comprising a frame supported by a front pair of wheels and a back pair of wheels, wherein the back pair of wheels are steerable and wherein each wheel of the back pair of wheels is connected to the frame via a respective intermediate support element that is pivotable with respect to the frame in such a manner that the back pair of wheels are movable between a first position wherein the back pair of wheels defines a first track width and are positioned at a first distance from the front pair of wheels, and a second position wherein the back pair of wheels defines a second track width and are positioned at a second distance from the front pair of wheels, wherein the first track width is larger than the second track width and wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance.