High-Clearance Tractor Deformable Parallelogram Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Straddle tractors face challenges in optimizing the useful distance between wheels and adjustable height due to the complexity of existing suspension and steering systems, which limits maneuverability and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high-clearance straddle tractor design featuring adjustable track width and height, utilizing oscillating arms in the form of longitudinal deformable parallelograms, telescopic tubular beams, and hydraulic suspension systems to minimize wheel components and enhance space between wheels, with integrated hydraulic motors and steering mechanisms for improved agility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex suspension and steering systems are used in straddle tractors, then the tractor can maintain stability and control, but the bulk at wheel level increases and space between wheels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the suspension system from the traditional wheel-level position to an elevated position on the tractor frame. This dimensional relocation allows the suspension components to be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than consuming horizontal space between wheels, thereby maintaining stability and control while increasing the useful distance between wheel assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor is divided into functionally independent modules: the suspension system is separated from the wheel assemblies and positioned independently on the frame. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the space requirements of other components, particularly the space between wheels needed for agricultural operations.
2Strength
If traditional wheel-level suspension and steering components are installed, then the tractor maintains structural integrity, but the useful distance between wheels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension and steering components are relocated from the horizontal plane (wheel level) to the vertical dimension (elevated on the frame). This allows the structural integrity to be maintained through properly positioned support elements while maximizing the horizontal useful distance between wheel assemblies for agricultural tool clearance and maneuverability.
3Ease of operation
If more components are positioned at wheel level for suspension and steering, then the tractor achieves better control, but maneuverability and space efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning suspension and steering components in the vertical dimension on the frame rather than at wheel level, the patent maintains full control capabilities while freeing up horizontal space. This enables better maneuverability and adaptability for various agricultural operations without compromising the ease of operation through properly designed elevated control mechanisms.
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 design allows for adjustable track width and height, reducing bulk at the wheel level, increasing space between wheels, and enhancing maneuverability and operational efficiency by minimizing the number of components at the wheel level while maintaining rigidity and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
the suspension comprising cylinders which hook on the one hand on the top of the frames and on the other hand on rods integral with the upper longitudinal branch of the parallelograms and which form lever arms around the carrying axles of the upper connecting branches to raise and lower the frame of the tractor relative to the carrying axles of the wheels and achieve the suspension
Implementation Method 2
Friction reduction rings such as Teflon rings are advantageously arranged between the tubes and the sheaths
Data Source
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AI summary
A straddle tractor (1) with adjustable track (A) comprising a cab (30) and an engine (31) mounted on a chassis (20), lateral frames (10) supporting a lateral front wheel rear wheel assembly of the tractor and comprising tubular beams (6a) which laterally pass through the chassis to secure it to the lateral frames (10) receiving the movable assemblies of the tractor, said movable assemblies comprising oscillating arms made in the form of longitudinal deformable parallelograms (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) arranged in a vertical plane and which connect the wheel-bearing legs to the lateral frames (10) and which support legs (7) carrying the wheels (40) of the tractor.The parallelograms consist of a first arm (4a) at the level of a receiving sleeve of the axle (41) of the wheel-carrying leg (7), a second arm (4b) part of a lateral frame and two longitudinal connecting arms (4c, 4d) between the arm part of the frame and the arm (4a) carrying the wheel axle, and the connecting arms (4c, 4d) are articulated on the arm (4a) carrying the axle of the leg and on the arm (4b) part of the frame so that the parallelograms are deformable.