Walking Beam Axle Assembly for Agricultural Trailer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural trailer designs face challenges in easily accommodating multiple axle configurations without requiring multiple main frame configurations, and existing designs experience significant tire side loading during turns, which complicates the structural support and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A walking beam axle assembly with a main axle beam and pivotally coupled walking beams, where hubs are supported by brace members and wheels are positioned to reduce the need for the trailer main frame as a supporting structure, allowing a single main frame design to accept various axle configurations and minimizing lubrication maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple main frame configurations are used to accommodate various axle configurations, then the implement can meet different customer requests, but the design complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main frame is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate both single axle and tandem/walking axle configurations using the same mounting location. The walking beam axle assembly integrates the functions of multiple axles while maintaining compatibility with the original single axle mounting points, eliminating the need for multiple main frame designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle system is segmented into a main axle beam and separate walking beams that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same main frame to support different axle arrangements by simply changing the axle assembly configuration rather than modifying the main frame structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple pivot points are used under the main trailer frame to resist side loading force, then the structural stability improves, but the lubrication maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot points are extracted from the traditional location under the main trailer frame and repositioned to the walking beam axle assembly itself. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple greased pivots under the frame while maintaining the ability to resist side loading forces through the walking beam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The walking beam design inherently manages side loading forces through its mechanical geometry and pivot arrangement, reducing dependency on external lubrication systems. The structure self-accommodates the lateral forces generated during turning without requiring extensive greasing of multiple pivot points.
Data Source
AI summary
A walking beam assembly mounts onto the main frame of an agricultural trailer in place of a single axle assembly. The walking beam assembly has a main axle beam serving as the only connection to the main frame. Two walking beams, with a pair of wheels on each, are supported at opposing ends of the main axle beam. Two hubs are pivotally supported on the main axle beam at respective hub locations spaced inward axially of the main axle beam relative to the ends of the main axle beam. A pair of brace members are coupled between each hub and the respective walking beam at diametrically opposing sides of the walking beam pivot. The hubs and the brace members are pivotal relative to the main axle beam about the same walking beam axis as the walking beams.