Variable-Track Chassis With Extendable Wheelbase Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines are limited in their extension capabilities by the dimensions of their footprint, which is constrained by stabilizing members like outriggers that are time-consuming to deploy and hinder mobility between job sites.
Innovation Solution
An extendable wheel-base lift vehicle with a vehicle support system featuring independently powered and steerable wheels, a four-bar hinge assembly, and a hydraulic cylinder that allows for the extension and retraction of support arms without scuffing, enabling the vehicle to transition between transport and operational modes efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If outriggers are used to increase the footprint of the construction machine, then the stability is improved, but the deployment time increases and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wheelbase extendable through a mechanism that allows the wheels to move between a stowed position (reducing footprint for transport) and a deployed position (increasing footprint for stability). This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for time-consuming outrigger deployment while maintaining both mobility and stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelbase serves multiple functions: it provides both transport capability (when retracted) and stability support (when extended), replacing the need for separate outrigger systems. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating stability and mobility into a single system that can adapt to different operational requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If outriggers are used to increase the footprint, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to manual deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelbase extension mechanism is self-service in that it can be extended and retracted automatically or through simple control inputs, eliminating the need for manual deployment operations required by traditional outriggers. The system serves itself by integrating the extension mechanism into the wheelbase structure, allowing operators to adjust the footprint without complex manual procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wheelbase is extended to increase the footprint, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stability function and the wheelbase structure into a single integrated system. By combining the wheelbase extension mechanism with the vehicle's existing support structure, the patent avoids adding separate outrigger systems, thereby improving stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 system enhances the vehicle's mobility and operational flexibility by allowing it to adapt its footprint dynamically, fitting on a trailer for transport and expanding for operation without manual deployment time, thus improving job site efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder that allows for the extension and retraction of support arms
Implementation Method 2
a four-bar hinge assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.