Variable Wheelbase Vehicle with Telescoping Boom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle support systems do not provide sufficient variability in wheelbase to enhance stability and maneuverability, particularly in reach-type vehicles, which limits their performance in various operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design with a base comprising two longitudinally moveable body portions and a pivotally coupled boom, allowing the wheelbase to adjust between extended and retracted positions, thereby altering the vehicle's stability and maneuverability by changing the boom's position between raised and lowered configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the wheelbase is extended to increase stability, then the vehicle's resistance to tipping forces improves, but the vehicle's maneuverability and turning radius deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable wheelbase system where the distance between front and rear wheels can be varied. The rear axle is mounted on a telescoping mechanism that allows it to move relative to the vehicle body, enabling the wheelbase to be extended for stability during lifting operations and retracted for improved maneuverability during transportation, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of wheelbase length to adapt to different operational requirements. By adjusting the wheelbase parameter from a fixed value to a variable range, the vehicle can optimize its stability characteristics when needed while maintaining good maneuverability when the extended configuration is not required
2Stability of the object's composition
If laterally extending support systems are used to increase wheel track width, then vehicle stability improves, but the vehicle width increases and maneuverability in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed lateral support systems that permanently increase vehicle width, the patent employs a dynamic wheelbase extension mechanism. This allows stability to be enhanced through longitudinal adjustment rather than lateral extension, maintaining a compact vehicle width for maneuverability while providing the stability benefits when the wheelbase is extended
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is moved toward the retracted position.