Variable Wheel Track Axle With Independent Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable wheel track designs for agricultural machines are labor-intensive and stressful on axle and wheel components, leading to premature failure and tire wear, especially when adjusting on high-friction surfaces, and require large areas for operation without disturbing crops.
Innovation Solution
A system with variable wheel track axle assemblies and hydraulic steering, allowing simultaneous adjustment of wheel track and steering angle, using a computer system with PID control to independently adjust wheel positions and angles, enabling adjustments from within the operator cabin without large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable wheel track adjustment is performed using traditional hydraulic cylinders on high-friction surfaces, then wheel track can be adjusted, but large areas are required for operation and crops may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the wheels to actively change their steering angle during track adjustment. The wheels transition from a static alignment to a dynamic angled position that reduces friction resistance, allowing adjustment in confined spaces without disturbing crops. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between adjustability and space requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable wheel track adjustment is performed, then wheel track can be changed, but negative forces generate stress on axle and wheel components leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the wheels at an angled orientation before track adjustment begins. This preliminary action creates a favorable mechanical condition that prevents negative forces and stress from developing during the adjustment process, thereby protecting axle and wheel components from premature failure while maintaining component durability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wheel track adjustment is performed, then wheel track can be adjusted, but premature tire wear occurs due to uncharacteristic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the wheels to actively angle during adjustment, transforming the uncharacteristic sliding movement into a more natural rolling motion. This dynamic adjustment method reduces abnormal friction and heat generation on the tire contact patch, thereby extending tire service life while preserving adjustability.
4Device complexity
If fixed wheel offset is used, then axle structure is simple, but wheel track cannot be adjusted without labor-intensive wheel spacer addition or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of adding or removing wheel spacers with an automated hydraulic steering system. The hydraulic cylinders control the wheel angle and track position automatically, eliminating the need for manual spacer manipulation. This substitution maintains relatively simple axle structure while dramatically improving adjustment ease and operator convenience.
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 effortless wheel track adjustments on agricultural vehicles, reducing stress on components, minimizing tire wear, and allowing operation in confined spaces while maintaining crop protection.
Implementation Method 1
a variable wheel track axle assembly may include a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the outer axle housing relative to the inner axle housing
Implementation Method 2
a steering cylinder connected to the planetary gear wheel unit of each wheel to independently adjust the steering angle of a wheel in a wheel set
Data Source
AI summary
A system to simultaneously adjust a wheel track axle width and a steering angle of an agricultural vehicle made of: an at least two variable axle assemblies, each one of the variable axle assemblies connected to a wheel set of the agricultural vehicle is provided. During the wheel track axle adjustment process of a variable wheel track axle machine the angle of each wheel is “toed-in” or toed-our depending on wheel track extension or retraction. When the wheel track axle of the machine is being extended, all wheels are commanded to “toe-out” 3 degrees to aid in the extension and reduce external forces on the wheel and axle system. When the wheel track axle of the machine is being retracted, all wheels are commanded to “toe-out” 3 degrees to aid in the retraction and reduce external forces on the wheel and axle system. Once the wheel track axle adjustment is complete all wheels return to 0 degrees for normal operation.