Variable Track Width Axle With Screw-Threaded Drive Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable track width axles for vehicles require complex and time-consuming procedures to change the operating track width, necessitating the use of tools and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A variable track width axle design featuring screw-threaded drive shafts and a clutch mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of track width without tools, using a planetary gear system to rotate and change the effective length of the drive shafts by shifting the clutch position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional variable track width axle mechanisms are used, then track width can be changed, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming requiring tools and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shafts are designed with screw-threaded parts that allow dynamic adjustment of the effective shaft length. By rotating one screw-threaded part relative to another, the axial position of wheel attachment means changes, enabling continuous track width variation rather than fixed positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own drive means to power the track width adjustment. The clutch means engages the screw-threaded parts with the drive means, allowing the vehicle's motion to automatically drive the adjustment mechanism without requiring external tools or equipment
2Ease of operation
If screw-threaded drive shafts with clutch means are used, then tool-free adjustment is enabled, but the mechanism requires engagement and disengagement of clutch positions
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch means enables continuous adjustment during vehicle operation. Rather than requiring stopping and manual intervention, the clutch can be engaged or disengaged during motion, allowing track width adjustment to occur continuously as the vehicle travels, maximizing productivity
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
Enables quick and tool-free adjustment of vehicle track width, improving stability, traction, and ride comfort on rough terrain, with the ability to increase or decrease track width by driving the vehicle forward or backward, and includes safety features to prevent over-adjustment and system damage.
Implementation Method 1
each drive shaft including first and second parts which are in screw-threaded engagement with each other so that rotation of one part relative to the other changes the effective length of each shaft
Implementation Method 2
The drive means may comprise a planetary gear (e.g. the axle reduction gear) in which a first member of the planetary gear drives the first part of each drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A variable track width vehicle axle has an outer axle casing (12) which supports two drive shafts (13) which are driven at their inner ends by drive means (23) and carry wheel attachment means (13a) at their outer ends. Each drive shaft including first and second parts (13a,13b) which are in screw-threaded engagement with each other so that rotation of one part relative to the other changes the effective length of each shaft and thus the track width of the axle. A clutch means (16) is also provided which in a first position connects the two parts (13a, 13b) of each shaft to prevent relative rotation and in a second position disconnects the two parts of each shaft to allow relative rotation therebetween and rotates one of the screw threaded parts relative to the other part (13b) via the drive means (23) to change the effective length of each drive shaft.