Steerable Axle Unit With Single-Axis Bearing Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural trailers have complex and mechanically intricate steerable axle units, which complicate the steering mechanism and require multiple pivot points for pivoting relative to the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A steerable axle unit mounted on the trailer chassis with a bearing arrangement allowing rotation about a single vertical axis, featuring a shaft surrounded by bearings on the chassis and axial stops for stability, and assisted by hydraulic cylinders for easy pivoting and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the axle unit is connected to the chassis via several articulated arms to allow pivoting, then the axle unit can be steered relative to the chassis, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the steering function from the complex articulated arm mechanism and implements it through a simpler bearing arrangement. The axle unit is connected to the chassis via a bearing arrangement that allows direct pivoting about a vertical axis, eliminating the need for multiple articulated arms while maintaining the steering capability. This reduces mechanical complexity while preserving the essential steering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical articulated arm system with a bearing-based rotational joint. Instead of using multiple linked mechanical arms to achieve pivoting, the invention uses a bearing arrangement that directly enables the axle unit to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the chassis. This substitution simplifies the mechanical system while achieving the same steering functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivot points are used for the axle unit, then the steering mechanism is more flexible, but the mechanical structure becomes more intricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pivot points into a single integrated bearing arrangement. Instead of distributing the pivoting function across multiple separate pivot points and articulated arms, the invention combines all necessary rotational freedom into one bearing arrangement that allows the entire axle unit to pivot about a vertical axis. This merging simplifies the structural intricacy while maintaining steering flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a simple bearing arrangement with single axis rotation is used, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the stability and load distribution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydraulic cylinders to provide dynamic adjustment capability to the bearing arrangement. The hydraulic cylinders can actively adjust the position and orientation of the axle unit, compensating for any limitations of the simple bearing arrangement. This dynamic control mechanism enhances operational reliability while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the static structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydraulic cylinders as intermediary elements between the chassis and the axle unit. These hydraulic cylinders act as mediators that can actively control and adjust the connection, providing stability and load distribution support while allowing the bearing arrangement to remain mechanically simple. The hydraulic system compensates for the simplicity of the bearing arrangement by providing active control and support.
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 provides a robust, simple, and efficient steering mechanism that allows the entire axle unit to pivot as a whole, enabling easy steering and load distribution, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The axle unit (26) is mounted on the chassis (20) by means of a bearing arrangement (38), which has one degree of rotational freedom
Implementation Method 2
assisted by hydraulic cylinders for easy pivoting and load distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a trailer (14), in particular an agricultural trailer, comprising a chassis (20) for receiving a trailer body (22); a drawbar (18) arranged at a front area (32) of the chassis (20) for connecting the trailer (14) to a towing vehicle (12); a steerable axle unit (26) arranged at a rear area (34) of the chassis (20) and having at least one axle (46), which as a whole is pivotable relative to the chassis (20); an adjusting device for pivoting the axle unit (26) relative to the chassis (20); a receiving device arranged on a rear side of the steerable axle unit (26) facing away from the chassis (20), by means of which an implement, in particular a soil cultivation device (16), can be attached to the trailer (14);wherein the axle unit (26) is mounted on the chassis (20) by means of a bearing arrangement (38) which has one degree of rotational freedom about a single axis of rotation (40) extending in the vertical direction (z) of the trailer (14).