Torsion Spring Suspension for Rear Caster Wheels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled windrowers experience a rough ride and fatigue in machine components due to increased ground speeds and larger tread widths, with existing suspension systems failing to provide adequate damping and ground clearance while maintaining structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A torsion spring suspension system is integrated into the work machine, comprising an outer tube, inner member, and elastomeric members, which provides damping and absorbs vertical and horizontal forces without the need for lubrication or separate shock absorbers, and allows for adjustable ride height and load accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air bag suspension is used at the rear axle, then ride comfort is improved, but excessive motion at the operator station occurs due to lack of damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suspension and damping functions into a single integrated shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber contains both spring elements for suspension and damper elements for motion control, eliminating the need for separate air bags and dampers. This merged system provides both ride comfort and operator station stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the rear axle and the frame, mediating the transmission of forces and motions. It absorbs vertical and horizontal forces while controlling the motion transmitted to the operator station, thus resolving the contradiction between ride comfort and stability.
2Ease of operation
If rear axle suspension is implemented with separate beams for each caster wheel, then ride quality improves, but structural complexity and pivot orientation changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension function into individual shock absorber assemblies for each wheel, while keeping the axle beam as a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows independent suspension action at each wheel without requiring a complex multi-beam axle structure, thus improving ride quality while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pivot joint suspension system with shock absorber assemblies that use controlled damping mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for complex pivot orientations and mechanical linkages, simplifying the overall axle structure while maintaining effective suspension.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger tread width is used to accommodate large windows, then machine stability improves, but rear axle loads increase in magnitude and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements shock absorber assemblies that are pre-configured to handle the increased loads from larger tread widths. The spring and damper elements are designed beforehand to accommodate the magnitude and frequency of forces generated by wider tires, cushioning the axle and frame from excessive stress before damage can occur.
4Productivity
If ground speed is increased to improve productivity, then cutting speed improves, but ride roughness and component fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber assemblies provide periodic damping action that absorbs repeated impacts and vibrations encountered at higher ground speeds. The spring and damper elements work in cycles to mitigate the periodic forces transmitted to the frame and components, reducing fatigue accumulation even during high-speed operation.
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 torsion spring suspension system enhances the ride quality by damping vibrations and improving ground clearance, reducing component fatigue and structural stress, while eliminating the need for separate springs and pivot joints, thus providing a more durable and efficient solution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastomeric members (38) interposed between the inner member (36) and the outer tube (34)
Implementation Method 2
The torsion spring suspension system enhances the ride quality by damping vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine is provided having a suspension arrangement between an axle of the machine and a caster wheel assembly. The suspension arrangement comprising a torsion spring assembly. The torsion spring assembly having a first spring housing, a second spring housing, and an inner member. The inner member being integrated directly with a wheel arm of the caster wheel assembly. The first and second spring housings being fastened together around the inner member wherein a plurality of elastomeric members are interposed between the inner member and the first and second spring housings. A torsion spring assembly is provided having a first spring housing, a second spring housing, and an inner member, the first and second spring housings being fastened together around the inner member wherein a plurality of elastomeric members are interposed between the inner member and the first and second spring housings.