Single Axle Vehicle Wheel Pivot Joint for Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Single-axle vehicles, such as two-wheel tractors, experience unsatisfactory contact between wheels and the ground, particularly on uneven terrain, due to their design which limits effective ground engagement.
Innovation Solution
Each wheel is equipped with a pivot joint allowing it to pivot transversely to the vehicle axis, enabling better contact with the ground without requiring energy expenditure, using a passive joint mechanism influenced by the subsoil and incorporating spring-damping elements for cushioning and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wheels are rigidly mounted on the vehicle axle, then the structure is simple and stable, but the contact surface between wheels and ground decreases on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting structure is transformed from a rigid static connection to a dynamic pivoting connection. Each wheel can pivot about a pivot axis lying transversely to the vehicle axis through a joint mechanism, allowing the wheels to adapt to uneven ground surfaces and increase contact area dynamically while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If active suspension systems are used to improve ground contact, then ground adaptability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism enables the wheels to pivot and adapt to ground unevenness automatically through passive mechanical influence from the subsoil. The system serves itself by using the terrain's own characteristics to drive the adaptation, eliminating the need for external energy input while maintaining high ground adaptability
3Stability of the object's composition
If spring-damping elements are added to cushion pivoting movement, then ride comfort and wheel stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-damping elements are incorporated into the joint mechanism to provide flexible cushioning for the pivoting movement. These elements absorb shocks and dampen vibrations, improving wheel stability and ride comfort while adding minimal structural complexity through the use of flexible damping components
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 configuration enhances ground contact and adaptability on uneven surfaces, improving traction and stability without energy consumption, particularly beneficial for two-wheel tractors and vehicles with roller wheels.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible element 6 in the form of two spring-damping elements 8 is provided here to cushion a pivoting movement of the wheel 3 about the pivot axis 5
Implementation Method 2
The internal friction of the spring-damping elements 8, which are preferably made of plastic, results in a damping effect
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Single-axle vehicle (1), in particular single-axle tractor, with a vehicle axle (2) on which two wheels (3) are rotatably mounted, wherein a joint (4) is provided between each wheel (3) and the vehicle axle (2), which allows each wheel (3) to pivot about a pivot axis (5) extending transversely to the vehicle axle (2).