Rear Suspension Elastomeric Blocks for Swather Tractor Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear suspension systems for swather tractors, particularly those using simple pivoting rear beams and tire flexure, fail to adequately absorb shocks in rough terrain, leading to severe pitching and fore and aft acceleration of the operator station, and existing complex solutions like air spring arrangements introduce large unsprung mass.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system comprising a ground wheel assembly with a support arm, mounting assembly, and a suspension system using elastomeric block arrangements between plate assemblies to provide up and down movement, allowing for independent movement of rear caster wheels while connected through a pivoting beam, reducing shock loading and requiring less structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple pivoting rear beam and tire flexure are used for suspension, then device complexity is reduced, but suspension effectiveness deteriorates causing severe pitching and fore and aft acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The rear beam is divided into two separate components, each with its own air spring suspension system. This segmentation allows independent suspension action on each side, improving overall suspension effectiveness while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system combines air springs with mechanical linkages and hydraulic dampers to create a composite suspension system that leverages the advantages of different materials and mechanisms to achieve both comfort and control
2Reliability
If air spring arrangement is used to improve suspension, then suspension effectiveness is improved, but unsprung mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air springs allow adjustment of suspension characteristics through pressure changes, enabling optimization of the balance between suspension effectiveness and weight. The variable stiffness provided by adjustable air pressure helps mitigate the penalty of increased unsprung mass
3Strength
If rigid rear beam connected to frame is used, then structural strength is improved, but shock absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Air springs are introduced as intermediary elements between the rigid rear beam and the ground, serving as mediators that absorb shocks and protect the rigid beam structure from impact loads while maintaining the structural strength benefits of the rigid beam
4Object-affected harmful factors
If complex suspension system is used to reduce shock loading, then shock absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into independent modules (air springs, linkages, dampers) that can be analyzed and maintained separately, making the complex system more manageable despite its enhanced shock absorption capabilities
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 suspension system provides greater articulation, reduced shock loading, and faster reaction to terrain irregularities with less mass, potentially eliminating the need for hydraulic shock absorbers and offering improved stability and comfort by distributing loads effectively through elastomeric materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastomeric block arrangement located between the first and second plate assemblies on a first side of the axis more remote from the beam; a second elastomeric block arrangement located between the first and second plate assemblies on a second side of the axis closer to the beam
Implementation Method 2
The suspension system provides greater articulation, reduced shock loading, and faster reaction to terrain irregularities with less mass, potentially eliminating the need for hydraulic shock absorbers and offering improved stability and comfort by distributing loads effectively through elastomeric materials
Data Source
AI summary
A rear castor wheel for a tractor includes a beam carried on a fork which connects to a castor mounting assembly attached to a rear pivotal beam of the tractor. A suspension system connects the fork to the mounting assembly to provide suspension movement and includes a first transverse plate assembly attached to the mounting assembly intersected by a second plate assembly attached across the two sides of the fork. The plates are connected by a single elastomeric block located on a first side of the axis remote from the beam and two elastomeric blocks located between the first and second plate assemblies on a side of the axis closer to the beam so that upward movement of the beam causes compression of the first and second elastomeric blocks which are shaped such that the internal strain of the block as the beam moves upwardly is substantially uniform through the block.