Single-Axle Implement Carrier With Adjustable Center of Gravity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-axle implement carriers, such as sickle bar mowers, require manual operation and struggle with stability on steep slopes and uneven terrain, necessitating constant human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A single-axle implement carrier equipped with an electric drive and adjustable center of gravity, allowing the drive axle to shift relative to the chassis for enhanced stability and maneuverability, combined with autonomous control systems and sensors for obstacle detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the single-axle implement carrier uses a fixed center of gravity position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot maintain stability on steep slopes and uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability on steep slopesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the center of gravity position adjustable rather than fixed. The drive axle is made movable relative to the chassis, allowing the center of gravity to be dynamically repositioned forward or backward depending on terrain conditions. This enables the implement carrier to maintain stability on steep slopes while avoiding excessive structural complexity through a relatively simple movable axle mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the single-axle implement carrier requires manual operation, then the control is straightforward, but the manual labor is strenuous and constant human intervention is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through autonomous control systems that enable the implement carrier to operate without constant human intervention. Sensors detect terrain conditions and obstacles, and the control system automatically adjusts the drive axle position and operates the implement, allowing the machine to serve itself in navigating terrain and performing tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated control systems. Instead of requiring an operator to manually steer and control the implement carrier, electronic sensors and control algorithms substitute for human operation, automatically managing the vehicle's movement and implement operation based on detected conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If the drive axle position is fixed relative to the chassis, then the manufacturing is simple, but the support force of the attachment cannot be regulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport force regulationVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the drive axle movable relative to the chassis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the center of gravity position. This enables regulation of the attachment's support force by repositioning the axle forward or backward, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a relatively straightforward movable connection mechanism rather than complex adjustable systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4033878B1Single axle device holder
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ALTATEK GMBH
  • EP4033878B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4033878B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4033878B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a single-axle implement carrier, to which one or more implements, such as a cutter bar (4), can be attached. The single-axle implement carrier has a chassis (1), an electric drive (11), and a drive axle (10). The drive axle (10) can be driven by the electric drive (11) in order to move the single-axle implement carrier over a working area (AF). The position of the centre of gravity (SP) of the single-axle implement carrier relative to the drive axle (10) can be changed in order to regulate the contact force of the implement on the working area (AF). The invention additionally relates to a single-axle implement unit comprising a single-axle implement carrier of this kind and to a working machine system having a plurality of single-axle implement carriers of this kind.