Walking Beam Suspension With Swing Arm Vertical Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current walking beam suspensions in vehicles restrict independent oscillating and vertical translating motion, affecting ride comfort and terrain contact, particularly in agricultural tractors, as they are not designed to allow vertical movement of the chassis relative to the track or wheel assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system featuring a swing arm with a resilient air bag unit and damping cylinder, allowing the walking beam to pivot and translate vertically, while being stabilized by spaced pivot pins and resilient bumper members, enabling independent motion of the walking beam relative to the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pivot pin connects the walking beam to the chassis, then the track assemblies can pivot with respect to the chassis, but the chassis cannot move vertically independently, adversely affecting ride comfort and terrain contact
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate functional components: a swing arm assembly that handles oscillating motion, a walking beam that handles vertical motion, and a pivot pin connection that links them. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one degree of freedom, enabling the walking beam to move vertically independently while the swing arm manages lateral stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the walking beam and chassis is made dynamic rather than fixed. The swing arm assembly allows the walking beam to oscillate laterally while maintaining vertical motion capability. This dynamic connection adapts to terrain variations, permitting independent vertical movement of the walking beam relative to the chassis.
2Stability of the object's composition
If linear stabilizers are used to stabilize the suspension parallel to the pivot axis, then stability is improved, but the air bags must compress in a fixed ratio, reducing motion independence
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm acts as an intermediary component between the walking beam and the chassis. It provides the necessary stability parallel to the pivot axis through its structural design and pivot connection, while simultaneously allowing the walking beam to oscillate and translate independently. This intermediary element decouples the stability function from the motion independence requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization function is separated from the motion control function. The swing arm assembly provides stability through its pivot connection and structural rigidity, while the walking beam maintains independence in its vertical and oscillating motions. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
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
This design enhances ride comfort by reducing vibration and shock transmission, allowing the walking beam to move freely over uneven terrain, maintaining contact with the ground and improving vehicle stability.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient air bag unit is coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm
Implementation Method 2
A resilient air bag unit is coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm
Implementation Method 3
A damping cylinder is coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm
Implementation Method 4
A damping cylinder is coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm
Implementation Method 5
A pivot pin pivotally couples a central portion of the walking beam to a central portion of the swing arm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle suspension system. There is a need for a stable walking beam suspension system where the beam can oscillate and move vertically. Such a suspension system includes a support fixed to the vehicle frame and having first and second ends. A swing arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the support via a pair of spaced apart pivot pins. Air bags are coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm. A walking beam has opposite ends coupled to left and right wheel support assemblies. The walking beam is pivotally coupled to the swing arm. A damping cylinder is coupled between the frame and the second end of the swing arm. Resilient bumper members are engagable with the walking beam and are mounted on an end of the swing arm and fixed to an end of the support.