Independent Wheel Suspension for Adjustable Agricultural Track Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural machinery lacks an efficient and flexible independent wheel suspension system that allows for adjustable track width, height, and damping characteristics, which is essential for various terrains and road conditions.

Innovation Solution

A steerable independent wheel suspension system with a support device that includes a guide column, wheel hub, and a support structure, allowing for adjustable height, damping, and spring mechanisms, which includes a mechanism to improve the support structure that includes a guide column, wheel hub, and a support structure, allowing for adjustable height, damping, and spring functions, with components connected via guide columns and support structures that can move relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid fixed suspension is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different terrains and road conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different terrainsVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system adjustable rather than fixed. The guide column can be positioned at different locations on the support structure, and the distance between the guide column and wheel hub can be varied, allowing the suspension characteristics to be dynamically adapted to different terrains and operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing variation in the distance between the guide column and wheel hub, as well as the position of the guide column on the support structure. These parameter changes enable the suspension system to be optimized for different conditions without requiring a completely different design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable suspension components are added, then adaptability to different terrains improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of track width and heightVSAvoidnumber of suspension components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the guide column and support structure to serve multiple functions. The guide column provides both structural support and suspension guidance, while the support structure serves as both a mounting platform and a structural element that defines the suspension geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the guide column is rigidly fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but maneuverability and adjustability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the guide column position adjustable rather than fixed. The guide column can be rigidly fixed at a chosen position to provide stability, or repositioned to different locations on the support structure to improve maneuverability and adaptability to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides improved maneuverability, adaptability to different terrains, and enhanced stability by allowing for adjustable track width, height, and damping, ensuring optimal performance in various agricultural applications.

Implementation Method 1

a wheel hub (24), which is slidably guided along the at least one guide column (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one damping device (70), which connects the wheel hub (24) to the support device (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

at least one spring device (26), which connects the wheel hub (24) to the support device (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3871909B1Mobile agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 HORSCH LEEB APPLICATION SYSTEMS SE & CO KG
  • EP3871909B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3871909B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3871909B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a steerable independent wheel suspension (12) for a mobile agricultural machine (10). A support device (18) serves to pivotally mount the independent wheel suspension (12) on a frame part (28) of the agricultural machine (10). At least one guide column (22) is slidably mounted in the support device (18). A wheel hub (24) is slidably guided along the at least one guide column (22). A support (74) is rigidly connected to the at least one guide column (22) for movement. The support (74) can enable a flexible and improved arrangement of height adjustment devices, damping devices, and suspension devices of the independent wheel suspension (12).