Vehicle Dig Maneuver System with Transfer Case Clutch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current off-road vehicles require modifications that can negatively impact drivability to perform front or rear dig maneuvers, which allow for tight turns without using reverse gear, and there is a need for a system that enables these maneuvers without compromising vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A dig system for vehicles that includes a transfer case for power distribution between front and rear axles, hydraulic brake units for controlling wheel rotation, and an actuator to configure the system for different modes of operation, allowing the vehicle to pivot about various axes without needing to reverse, while maintaining drivability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modifications are made to enable front dig maneuvers, then off-road maneuverability is improved, but vehicle drivability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the drivetrain by disconnecting the transfer case from the rear differential during dig maneuvers, allowing the vehicle to switch between normal four-wheel drive operation and front-wheel-only dig mode. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the vehicle to adapt its power distribution based on operational needs without permanent modifications to the drivetrain architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the rear axle power delivery by disconnecting the transfer case output to the rear differential through a clutch mechanism. This allows the rear wheels to be isolated from the drivetrain during dig maneuvers, enabling front-wheel-only operation while maintaining the ability to reengage normal power distribution when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer case disconnects rear output, then front dig maneuver capability is improved, but power distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A clutch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the transfer case and rear differential. This clutch acts as a mediator that can engage or disengage power flow to the rear wheels, providing simple binary control (connected/disconnected) without requiring complex multi-position mechanisms or additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing brake system and driver-operated brake pedals to control the dig maneuver, rather than requiring separate control mechanisms. The driver applies brake pressure to the rear wheels through the existing hydraulic brake system, which naturally provides the necessary braking force for dig operations without additional actuators or control systems.
3Ease of operation
If brake pressure is applied to rear wheels only, then pivot control during dig is improved, but brake system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into independent front and rear brake circuits, allowing selective application of brake pressure to the rear wheels only. This segmentation is achieved through separate brake lines and control mechanisms that can isolate rear brake pressure from the front brake system, enabling precise pivot control during dig maneuvers without affecting front wheel braking capability.
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 vehicles to perform front and rear dig maneuvers without sacrificing drivability by controlling power distribution and brake application, allowing for tight turns without reversing, thus enhancing off-road maneuverability without altering the vehicle's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic brake units for controlling wheel rotation
Implementation Method 2
transfer case for power distribution between front and rear axles
Data Source
AI summary
A dig system which allows for a vehicle to perform a dig maneuver, without sacrificing drivability. An actuator places the dig system in one of four different modes of operation, where the front wheels are placed in either a first configuration or a second configuration, where the front wheels are positioned at a desired steering angle, and one of the front or rear wheels is braked and prevented from rotating. The transfer case transfers power to one or more of the non-braked wheels, and disconnects from the remaining wheels. One or more of the non-braked wheels are rotated such that the vehicle pivots about an axis which extends through one of the wheels. One of the rear wheels is braked when performing a front dig maneuver, and one of the front wheels is be braked when performing a reverse dig maneuver.