Work Vehicle Suspension Axle Bar Pivot Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for work vehicles fail to effectively absorb energy from uneven terrain, leading to reduced traction and occupant comfort due to the transfer of forces from the rigidly connected axle housing to other vehicle components.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system comprising an axle bar, inner and outer control members, and a slide housing that pivots within an axle housing, coupled with a suspension cylinder that selectively extends and compresses to absorb energy, thereby increasing traction and comfort by isolating forces from the vehicle's frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the axle housing is rigidly connected to the frame, then structural strength and stability are improved, but forces from uneven terrain are transferred to other vehicle components, reducing traction and occupant comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidforce transfer to vehicle components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid axle housing connection is segmented into a movable suspension assembly that includes the axle housing, slide housing, and control members. This segmentation allows the axle housing to move independently relative to the frame through controlled pivoting and sliding motions, isolating force transfers while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension cylinder and control members act as intermediary elements between the axle housing and the frame. These intermediaries absorb and dissipate forces through controlled motion, preventing direct force transfer to the frame and other vehicle components while maintaining structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the axle housing is rigidly connected to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but occupant comfort in the cab is reduced due to force transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoccupant comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the axle housing and frame is segmented into independent movable components (slide housing, control members, suspension cylinder) that allow the axle housing to isolate vibrations and forces from the frame, thereby maintaining structural stability while improving occupant comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension cylinder and control members serve as intermediary elements that absorb and dampen forces between the axle housing and frame, preventing force transmission to the cab and improving occupant comfort while maintaining overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the axle housing is rigidly connected to the frame, then structural support is improved, but traction at the wheel is reduced due to force transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidtraction at the wheel
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid fixed connection is replaced with a dynamic suspension system that allows controlled motion between the axle housing and frame. The slide housing and control members enable the axle housing to move dynamically in response to terrain variations, maintaining wheel contact and traction while providing structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid connection is segmented into movable suspension components that allow the axle housing to independently respond to terrain forces, maintaining optimal wheel contact for traction while preserving overall structural support through the suspension mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances traction and occupant comfort by efficiently absorbing energy from uneven terrain, allowing the vehicle to traverse challenging surfaces smoothly and extending the working life of other vehicle components by reducing force transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a suspension cylinder configured to selectively extend and compress as the slide housing pivots, thereby absorbing energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3663112B1Suspension system for a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP3663112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A suspension system for a work vehicle includes an axle bar, an inner control member, an outer control member, and a slide housing. The axle bar extends through the inner control member, the outer control member, and the slide housing. The axle bar is non-rotatably coupled to the slide housing and is configured to pivot with the slide housing and relative to the inner control member and the outer control member.