Ride Height Adjustable Suspension for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges in efficiently adjusting ride height and supporting various applicators, such as dry and liquid fertilizers, over uneven terrain while maintaining stability and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ride height adjustable suspension system using four-bar linkage assemblies and hydraulic actuators allows for independent movement of each wheel, maintaining wheelbase and turning radius, and enabling the vehicle to lift or lower to accommodate different applicator heights and terrain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid frame is used to support applicators, then structural strength is maintained, but the vehicle cannot adapt to uneven terrain or adjust ride height
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a rigid upper portion that supports the applicator and a lower suspension portion that can move independently. The suspension assembly includes a linkage mechanism with multiple connected components that allow selective movement of the support area relative to the wheels, enabling ride height adjustment while maintaining upper frame strength.
2Productivity
If multiple applicators are supported on a fixed platform, then applicator capacity is increased, but switching between applicators requires external machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system enables the vehicle to perform its own applicator switching operation. By lowering the support area to the ground and raising it back up, the vehicle can detach and attach different applicators without external machinery. The operator can switch between multiple applicators stored on the vehicle by simply operating the suspension height control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suspension assemblies are made independently operable, then terrain adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assemblies are designed with universal components and standardized linkages that perform multiple functions. Each suspension assembly can independently adjust to terrain variations while also working cooperatively to change the overall ride height. The linkage mechanism serves both as a suspension element and a height adjustment mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple functions.
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
This solution enhances the vehicle's ability to navigate uneven terrain, maintain stability, and efficiently switch between different applicators, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for external machinery for applicator changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least two actuators... Each of the at least two actuators is coupled to a respective suspension assembly... and is configured to move one of the at least two wheels
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle includes a frame and a plurality of suspension assemblies coupled to the frame. The plurality of suspension assemblies configured to together increase or decrease a vertical distance between the frame and a surface supporting the agricultural vehicle. The agricultural vehicle also includes a plurality of wheels. One wheel of the plurality of wheels is coupled to each suspension assembly, and at least two wheels of the plurality of wheels are movable about a steering axis. The agricultural vehicle further includes at least two actuators. Each of the at least two actuators is coupled to a respective suspension assembly of the plurality of suspension assemblies and is configured to move one of the at least two wheels.