Variable Track Width Adjustment Mechanism for Construction Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracked construction vehicles face limitations in width adjustment, particularly with the two-cylinder and two-piston arrangement, which restricts the achievable width extension, making it difficult to navigate narrow spaces while maintaining stability in wider configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cylinder adjustment mechanism is coupled to the middle portions of the track assemblies, allowing for extension and retraction along a parallel axis, enabling the track assemblies to adjust their spacing and accommodate both narrow and wide configurations, enhancing stability and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two cylinders and two pistons are used to adjust track spacing, then the track width can be adjusted, but the achievable width extension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate adjustment mechanisms (cylinders and pistons) into a single hydraulic cylinder with a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod provides multi-stage extension, effectively merging the functions of multiple pistons into one component, thereby increasing width adjustment range while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder employs a telescopic rod mechanism that extends in multiple stages along the same axis. This multi-dimensional extension capability allows the single cylinder to achieve the cumulative width adjustment that would otherwise require multiple separate cylinders, transforming a one-dimensional limitation into a multi-stage solution
2Stability of the object's composition
If the track assemblies are spaced wider apart, then stability is improved, but the vehicle cannot navigate narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable track spacing system using a hydraulic cylinder with telescopic rod. The track width can be changed in real-time from a retracted configuration (for narrow space navigation) to an extended configuration (for enhanced stability), allowing the vehicle to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of track spacing by controlling the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder's telescopic rod. This parameter change enables the vehicle to transition between different operational states: narrow configuration for maneuverability and wide configuration for stability, depending on the task at hand
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
This solution allows for a wider range of width adjustment, enabling the vehicle to navigate narrow passages while maintaining increased stability during operations, by effectively managing the spacing between track assemblies using a hydraulic cylinder mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder adjustment mechanism (110) having a piston end (140) and a rod end (145) and being coupled to the first track assembly on the rod end and to the second track assembly on the piston end, the hydraulic cylinder adjustment mechanism being capable of extending and retracting along an axis parallel to the first axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A construction vehicle (10) includes first and second track assemblies (85). The track assemblies each include an inner portion (120), an outer portion (115) and a middle portion (125) between the inner portion and the outer portion. An adjustment mechanism (110) is pivotably coupled to the middle portions of the first and second track assemblies. The adjustment mechanism extends and retracts along a width axis (A) to adjust a distance between the first and second track assemblies. The width of the first and second track assemblies can determine an overall width of the construction vehicle.