Tractor Axle Suspension Using Segmented Pivot Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rigid front axle systems in agricultural tractors limit travel speed and operator comfort due to lack of suspension, leading to reduced productivity and poor handling characteristics when traversing uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points, with hydraulic cylinders controlling axle movement to enhance ride quality, traction, and handling, while maintaining wheel contact and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a rigid front axle assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is decreased, but the ride quality and operator comfort deteriorate when traversing uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle assembly complexityVSAvoidride quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The front axle system is segmented into two independent wheel assemblies, each capable of vertical movement relative to the axle beam. This allows each wheel to independently respond to terrain variations while maintaining the simplicity of a rigid axle structure for lateral positioning and steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle assembly transitions from a completely rigid structure to a semi-dynamic system where the wheel assemblies can move vertically along the axle beam. This dynamic capability improves ride quality by allowing wheels to follow terrain contours while the overall axle structure remains simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the front wheels are rigidly connected to the chassis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wheel traction deteriorates on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension system complexityVSAvoidwheel traction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid connection between chassis and wheels is segmented by introducing vertical movement capability at the wheel-axle interface. This allows each wheel to maintain independent contact with the terrain, improving traction while avoiding the complexity of full independent suspension systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle beam serves as an intermediary element between the chassis and the wheels. It provides a simple structural connection while allowing vertical movement of wheel assemblies, thereby maintaining traction on uneven terrain without requiring complex suspension mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If both front wheels are forced to move in the same vertical direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to traverse obstacles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle movement mechanismVSAvoidobstacle traversal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The axle system is divided into independent wheel assemblies that can move vertically relative to each other. This segmentation allows each wheel to independently traverse obstacles while maintaining the simplicity of a rigid axle structure for overall positioning and steering functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If a conventional hingeably-attached rigid front axle is used, then the manufacturing cost is decreased, but the handling characteristics at high speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidhandling characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The axle assembly incorporates vertical movement capability that activates dynamically during high-speed operation. This allows the wheels to respond to road surface variations, improving handling characteristics while maintaining the cost-effective rigid axle structure for low-speed field operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 suspension system improves ride quality, traction, and handling characteristics, reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity by allowing axle oscillation and maintaining wheel contact with the ground, even on uneven terrain, while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture and maintain.

Implementation Method 1

axle movement is controlled by hydraulic cylinders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

By damping such motion, traction and operator comfort may be increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS7510198B2Axle suspension system

Publication Date: 2009.03.31 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by hydraulic cylinders to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the tractor.