Oleodynamic Actuator for Tractor Front Axle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural tractors lack sufficient stability on sloping ground, particularly when carrying heavy loads, leading to a high risk of overturning due to the oscillating front axle not contributing to resistance and the rear axle being fixed, which compromises vehicle stability.

Innovation Solution

A system with a dual-effect oleodynamic actuator interposed between the front axle and the vehicle body, capable of exerting controllable forces to prevent the front axle from rotating excessively, thereby maintaining the action line of forces within the vehicle's resting polygon, even on sloping ground or with lifted loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the front axle is made oscillating to follow ground unevenness, then the vehicle can adapt to uneven terrain, but the vehicle stability on sloping ground deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to uneven terrainVSAvoidvehicle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The front axle is designed to oscillate dynamically around a longitudinal axis to adapt to ground unevenness, while the system actively controls this oscillation to maintain stability. The axle can rotate within limited angles (+10° to -10°) determined by end-of-stroke stops, allowing it to follow terrain variations without compromising overall vehicle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the front axle by limiting its oscillation range through end-of-stroke stops. This parameter control ensures that while the axle can adapt to uneven ground, it remains within safe angular limits that prevent instability and overturning on sloping terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the front axle oscillation is limited by end-of-stroke stops, then the vehicle structure is protected from interference, but the stability on sloping ground deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural protectionVSAvoidvehicle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The front axle is designed to oscillate dynamically around a longitudinal axis to adapt to ground unevenness, while the system actively controls this oscillation to maintain stability. The axle can rotate within limited angles (+10° to -10°) determined by end-of-stroke stops, allowing it to follow terrain variations without compromising overall vehicle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the front axle by limiting its oscillation range through end-of-stroke stops. This parameter control ensures that while the axle can adapt to uneven ground, it remains within safe angular limits that prevent instability and overturning on sloping terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If heavy loads are transported or lifted at the front end, then the vehicle functionality is enhanced, but the risk of overturning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload carrying capabilityVSAvoidoverturning risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the front axle by limiting its oscillation range through end-of-stroke stops. This parameter control ensures that while the axle can adapt to uneven ground, it remains within safe angular limits that prevent instability and overturning on sloping terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the vehicle's operational state and actively manages the front axle oscillation. This feedback mechanism ensures that stability is maintained even when heavy loads are transported or lifted at the front end, preventing overturning by adjusting axle behavior based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Significantly increases vehicle stability by maintaining the action line of forces within the resting polygon, reducing the risk of overturning and enhancing safety during critical operations.

Implementation Method 1

A system with a dual-effect oleodynamic actuator interposed between the front axle and the vehicle body, capable of exerting controllable forces to prevent the front axle from rotating excessively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOleodynamic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2444304B1System and method for preventing overturning of land vehicles
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP2444304B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2444304B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP2444304B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

A system for preventing overturning of a wheeled vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising an oscillating front axle (5) connected to a body (2) of the vehicle by a hinge connection (C), and a rear axle connected stiffly to said body (2), the system comprises at least one actuator (7) interposed between said front axle (5) and said body (2), said actuator (7) being suitable for applying to said front axle a force (M) of controllable intensity, such as to produce controllable variations of the reactions of the ground on wheels (4, 4') connected to said oscillating front axle (5). A method for contrasting overturning of a wheeled vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising an oscillating front axle (5) connected to a body (2) of the vehicle by a hinge connection (C), and a rear axle connected stiffly to said body (2), the method comprises applying to said oscillating front axle a force (M) of controllable intensity, such as to produce controllable variations of the reactions of the ground on wheels (4, 4') connected to said oscillating front axle (5).