Tandem Wheel Torque Imbalance via Actuator Counter-Moment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem wheel arrangements in machines like motor graders experience torque imbalances that can lead to instability, causing one wheel to lift off the ground and lose contact, especially during acceleration or deceleration, due to uneven torque distribution between driven wheels.
Innovation Solution
A tandem drive arrangement with independently driven wheels and a linear actuator that applies a rotating moment to counteract torque imbalances, ensuring both wheels maintain contact with the ground by adjusting the position of the tandem beam relative to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If torque is applied to independently driven wheels in a tandem arrangement, then wheel rotation and machine propulsion are achieved, but torque imbalance causes beam rotation and wheel lift-off
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator applies a counter-moment to the beam that opposes and balances the torque imbalance generated by the independently driven wheels. This counter-moment prevents the beam from rotating and keeps both wheels in contact with the ground, resolving the stability issue while maintaining wheel propulsion capability
2Reliability
If one wheel is driven with higher torque, then that wheel provides better traction, but the other wheel loses ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator provides a balancing moment that compensates for unequal torque distribution between the two wheels. This allows one wheel to maintain higher torque for better traction while the actuator prevents the beam from rotating, ensuring both wheels remain in contact with the ground
3Strength
If a rigid beam connects both wheels, then structural stability is maintained, but torque imbalance causes lifting of one wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator applies a dynamic counter-moment to the rigid beam that balances the torque imbalance between wheels. The beam maintains its rigid structure for strength while the actuator's counter-moment prevents rotation and ensures both wheels stay in contact with the ground despite unequal torque application
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 solution effectively balances the load between tandem wheels, preventing instability and ensuring continuous ground contact, thereby improving traction and stability during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The input torque to the sprocket must equal the sum of the output torques to the wheels, otherwise, a moment may be applied to the tandem drive arrangement
Implementation Method 2
an actuator operating to selectively impart a rotating moment onto the beam
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem drive arrangement includes one or more independently driven wheels (118) that are arranged in a tandem configuration along a beam (120). The beam (120) is rotatably connected to a frame (102) of a machine (100). The tandem drive arrangement further includes an actuator (206) operating to selectively impart a rotating moment to the beam (102). The rotating moment tends to rotate the beam (120) in one direction and counteracts a torque imbalance resulting from operation of motors (128) rotating one or more independently driven wheels (118) connected to the beam (120).