Telescoping Axle Insert With Contoured Inner End
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional telescoping axle arrangements in agricultural applicators face challenges in maintaining maximum engagement length at all allowable track widths, especially as applicators become larger and heavier, and in accommodating passages for drive shafts or other components.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping axle arrangement featuring a tubular first axle element with a sliding second axle element, where the inner end of the second axle is contoured to extend past an obstruction in the first axle element, allowing for maximum engagement and accommodating passage through the axle at all track widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional telescoping axle arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but the engaged length of the axle elements cannot be maximized at all allowable track widths
Solution Approach 1:
The axle arrangement allows the second axle element to dynamically adjust its position relative to the first axle element through sliding engagement, enabling the engaged length to be maximized at all allowable track widths while accommodating track width adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The inner end of the second axle element is contoured with a specific geometry that extends past the obstruction in the first axle element, creating a localized engagement optimization that maximizes the engaged length without requiring changes to the entire axle structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a passage is provided through the telescoping axle arrangement for a drive shaft, then the adaptability is improved, but the engaged length between telescoping elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The passage for the drive shaft is extracted as a separate feature (obstruction extending into the tubular cross section) rather than being integrated into the main axle structure, allowing the passage function to be provided without compromising the engaged length of the telescoping elements
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction is localized to a specific region of the first axle element, and the contoured inner end of the second axle element is specifically designed to extend past this localized obstruction, maintaining maximum engagement while accommodating the drive shaft passage
3Loss of energy
If the applicator is made larger and heavier, then the capacity is improved, but the stability under downward loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping axle arrangement with maximized engaged length provides dynamic load distribution and a greater moment arm to resist downward loads, improving stability without requiring additional weight in the axle structure itself
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping axle arrangement is provided for an agricultural applicator having a frame supported above a ground surface by a ground engaging wheel operatively connected to the frame by the telescoping axle arrangement. A tubular first axle element, and a second axle element slidingly inserted into the first element operatively connect the wheel to the frame, and provide extension and retraction of the axle along a longitudinal axis of the axle. A cylindrical tunnel passing through the first element limits the extent to which the second axle element can be inserted into the first axle element. An inner end of the second axle element is contoured to extend at least partly under the cylindrical tunnel in the second axle element when the second axle element is inserted at a maximum allowed depth into the first axle element.