Variable-Width Transport Chassis With Interchangeable Center Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicles with variable width and track width require complex constructions with telescopic cross members and multiple hydraulic cylinders, leading to instability and inefficient steering systems.
Innovation Solution
A transport vehicle design featuring a central chassis part that is interchangeable, connected to outer chassis parts via mechanical means, eliminating the need for telescopic cross members and incorporating a dual-circuit steering system with hydraulic control for enhanced stability and steering force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic cross members with hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust width and track width, then variable width capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into a first chassis part and a second chassis part that can be independently positioned. The connection between these parts uses simple mechanical connecting means rather than complex telescopic mechanisms, allowing width adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means between chassis parts are designed to be adjustable, allowing the distance between first and second chassis parts to be changed. This dynamic adjustment capability provides variable width functionality without requiring complex telescopic cross members.
2Ease of operation
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used for steering wheel bogies, then steering capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system merges the control of left and right wheel bogies into a unified mechanism. The steering cylinders are connected such that both wheel bogies of each steering axle are steered simultaneously and identically, eliminating the reliability issues of independent control while maintaining full steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism uses symmetric connection arrangements where the right-side steering components mirror the left-side components. This copying approach ensures identical steering angles for both wheel bogies without requiring complex sensing and control systems.
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 design allows for easy adjustment of width and track width with increased rigidity and load capacity, while ensuring stable steering performance even at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic cylinder is arranged above each of the four cross members arranged at opposite ends of the vehicle. The cylinder tube of this cylinder is connected to the outer hollow profile and thus to the central longitudinal member, while its piston rod is connected to the inner hollow profile and thus to one of the two side longitudinal members.
Implementation Method 2
on a transverse side of the transport vehicle a coupling device with a pivotable coupling element is arranged, via which the transport vehicle can be coupled to a towing or pushing vehicle moving the transport vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport vehicle which has a chassis (3) with at least two steering axles (10a, 10b), wherein the chassis (3) comprises at least two chassis parts (4a, 4b) which each carry a series of bogies arranged one behind the other (10a, 10b; 10a', 10b') each with at least one wheel rotation arrangement (11a, 11b; 11a', 11b') which are adjustable transversely to a vertical longitudinal median plane of the transport vehicle (1), and wherein a central chassis part (4c) is provided which is mechanically connected to the two chassis parts (4a, 4b).According to the invention, the middle chassis part (4c) is interchangeably mounted in the transport vehicle (1) and has a support (6c) extending in the longitudinal direction of the transport vehicle (1), and connecting means (5; 5c, 5c') are provided on at least one and preferably on both side surfaces (7a, 7b) of this support (6c), by means of which at least the first and/or the second chassis part (4a, 4b) can be mechanically fixed to the middle chassis part (4c) via connecting means (5'; 5"; 5a, 5b) that are complementary to these connecting means (5; 5a, 5b).