Variable-Gauge Chassis Layout for Robust Adjustable Track Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable track chassis for agricultural machinery are complex to manufacture and assemble, and require robustness to support significant loads, while also needing to adapt to different track configurations for various terrains.
Innovation Solution
A variable track chassis design featuring a fixed main chassis with sliding guide bars, pivotally mounted suspension arms, and a drive mechanism that allows for adjustable wheel positions, enabling easy configuration between narrow and wide track settings, and incorporating anti-tilting devices for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable track chassis with multiple sliding components is used, then adaptability to different terrains is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into a fixed main chassis and multiple independent sliding chassis portions that can move along guide bars. Each chassis portion can be adjusted independently to change the track width, allowing adaptation to different terrains while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis portions are designed to be dynamically adjustable along the guide bars, transitioning between fixed and movable states. This dynamic capability allows the track configuration to be changed as needed while the guide bars provide stable structural support, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If robust suspension systems and anti-tilt devices are added, then reliability under heavy loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension systems and anti-tilt devices are integrated into the existing chassis structure rather than being added as separate external components. The suspension arms are pivotally mounted on the guide bars and chassis portions, combining structural support with suspension functionality, while anti-tilt devices are incorporated into the chassis portions themselves, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bars serve multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding the sliding motion of chassis portions, and serving as mounting points for suspension arms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, maintaining reliability while limiting complexity increase.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple manufacturing and assembly are achieved, then ease of manufacture is improved, but robustness under heavy loads may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is manufactured in separate modular components (main chassis, chassis portions, suspension arms) that can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled through straightforward connections. This segmentation enables simple manufacturing while the modular design allows for robust joints and connections that maintain load-bearing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bars act as intermediary structural elements that provide stable mounting points for suspension arms and guide the sliding motion. These intermediary components distribute loads effectively across the chassis structure, ensuring robustness while the standardized guide bar design facilitates simple manufacturing and assembly.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhances robustness, and allows for adaptable track configurations to suit different terrains, reducing the risk of damage to treated plants and improving handling and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of suspension systems comprising a left suspension system and a right suspension system, the left suspension system being mounted between the left suspension arm of the first pair and the left chassis portion or the main chassis, extending along a first left suspension axis
Implementation Method 2
suspension systems each mounted between one of the wheels and that of the left and right chassis portions on which said wheel is mounted
Implementation Method 3
a first pair of suspension arms comprising a left suspension arm and a right suspension arm pivotally mounted on one of the front and rear guide bars, about the guide axis of said front or rear guide bar
Implementation Method 4
sliding on said guide bar or rear along the guide axis of said front or rear guide bar
Implementation Method 5
the left and right wheel supports of the first pair being respectively pivotally mounted on the left suspension arm and on the right suspension arm of the first pair, around a pivot axis generally oriented in a vertical direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a variable-gauge chassis (100) for an agricultural machine, comprising a main chassis (11) and at least one assembly (10) comprising a pair of guide bars (12a, 12b), left (13a) and right (13b) chassis portions sliding on each of the front and rear guide bars, left (14a) and right (14b) wheel supports pivoting, respectively, on a left suspension arm (15a) and on a right suspension arm (15b), themselves pivoting and sliding on one of the front and rear guide bars, as well as left (16a) and right (16b) suspension systems mounted, respectively, between the left suspension arm and the left chassis portion or the main chassis, and between the right suspension arm and the right chassis portion or the main chassis.