Pivoting Roller Wheel Assemblies for Track Vehicle Suspension Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for track-driven work vehicles lack sufficient vertical damping to effectively accommodate large bumps and ground surface variations, leading to inadequate weight distribution and increased vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system featuring pivoting roller wheel assemblies with inboard and outboard roller shafts connected by a pivot mechanism, allowing load transfer between the wheels to improve vertical motion damping and reduce shock loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the structure is simple, but vertical damping capability is insufficient to accommodate large bumps and ground surface variations
Solution Approach 1:
The roller wheel assembly is designed to pivot dynamically about a pivot axis, allowing the assembly to adapt its orientation in response to ground surface variations and bumps. This dynamic capability enables the suspension to accommodate large vertical movements while maintaining track-to-ground contact, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fixed roller wheel assemblies are used, then the system is simple, but weight distribution across load bearing wheels is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable roller wheel assembly dynamically adjusts weight distribution by allowing individual assemblies to tilt independently in response to ground conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures more even load distribution across all load bearing wheels, improving stability without requiring complex multi-component suspension systems.
3Ease of operation
If conventional suspension systems without sufficient vertical damping are used, then vibrations are transmitted to the chassis, but operator comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable roller wheel assemblies dynamically absorb and dampen vertical vibrations and shock loading as they pivot in response to ground surface variations. This dynamic damping action reduces the transmission of harmful vibrations to the vehicle chassis, thereby improving operator comfort without requiring additional complex vibration isolation systems.
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 system provides enhanced motion damping, leading to more even weight distribution, improved track-to-ground contact, and increased operator comfort by reducing vibrations and shock loading.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot mechanism coupling the inboard roller shaft to the outboard roller shaft, where the pivot mechanism defines a pivot axis about which the inboard and outboard roller shafts pivot
Data Source
AI summary
An improved suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle includes a roller beam and at least one roller wheel assembly coupled to the roller beam. The roller wheel assembly includes an inboard roller shaft, an inboard roller wheel coupled to the inboard roller shaft, an outboard roller shaft, and an outboard roller wheel coupled to the outboard roller shaft. Additionally, the roller wheel assembly includes a pivot mechanism coupling the inboard roller shaft to the outboard roller shaft.