Torque Compensated Walking Beam Assembly Journal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles with tandem axle wheel arrangements face challenges in maintaining equal torque distribution across wheels, leading to uneven downforce and potential wheel lift-off during acceleration and deceleration, which affects stability and traction.
Innovation Solution
A torque-compensated walking beam assembly with a journal joint is introduced, featuring a support beam, gear assemblies, and reaction members that allow the gear train to rotate relative to the gear housing, providing a reaction force to counteract torque imbalances and maintain equal downforce on both wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a tandem axle wheel arrangement with power driven wheels is used, then the work vehicle can carry heavy loads, but uneven downforce distribution occurs across the wheels during acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The walking beam assembly is designed as a dynamic mechanism that allows relative movement between the support beam and gear housing through a journal joint. This dynamic configuration enables the system to automatically adjust and equalize downforce distribution across tandem wheels during acceleration and deceleration, while maintaining heavy load carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction member connected to the chassis acts as a counterbalancing element that provides a reaction force to offset the uneven downforce forces generated during acceleration and deceleration. This counteracting mechanism helps maintain equal torque distribution and prevents wheel lift-off.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a walking beam assembly is used to distribute downforce, then torque distribution improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The journal joint design merges the support beam and gear housing into a integrated rotational connection, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and fastening mechanisms. This merging of components achieves the required torque compensation and downforce distribution while reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam serves multiple functions: it supports the gear assembly, provides a rotational connection to the chassis, and acts as a lever arm for torque compensation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall assembly structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used for the gear assembly, then manufacturing is simpler, but torque imbalances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The journal joint provides a simple yet effective rotational connection that allows the gear housing to move relative to the support beam. This dynamic capability enables automatic torque compensation during acceleration and deceleration while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward rotational mounting design.
Solution Approach 2:
The journal joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed chassis and the movable gear assembly. It mediates the torque imbalances by allowing controlled movement and force redistribution, achieving torque compensation without complex manufacturing requirements.
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 solution ensures stable wheel engagement with the ground, maintaining equal torque distribution and downforce across wheels, enhancing vehicle stability and traction, particularly during acceleration and deceleration, while also simplifying manufacturing and lubrication processes.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction member is configured to transfer a reaction force between the chassis and the one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train as the first journal surface journals on the second journal surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle walking beam assembly includes a support beam and a mount member configured to rotatably mount the support beam on the chassis. A gear assembly with a gear train and a gear housing is supported by the support beam. The gear train includes a gear with a first journal surface, and the housing includes a second journal surface. The walking beam assembly additionally includes an input drive assembly that delivers input torque from the engine to the gear train. Moreover, the walking beam assembly includes a reaction member connected to one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train. The reaction member is configured to transfer a reaction force between the chassis and the one of the gear housing and the gear of the gear train as the first journal surface journals on the second journal surface.