Width-Adjustable Bogie Rotary Bearing for Heavy Goods Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy goods vehicles require a cost-effective method to rapidly modify vehicle width to accommodate different transport requests and loads, as existing solutions involve time-consuming and costly adjustments.

Innovation Solution

The rotary bearing of the bogie is adjustable in the vehicle width direction and detachably connected to an adapter plate, which is rotatable about an adjustable axis offset from the steering swivel axis, allowing for multiple width adjustments using a system of bogies that provides mechanical stability and protects supply lines from excessive rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle frame is divided and connector units are arranged to adjust vehicle width, then the vehicle width can be modified to accommodate different transport requests, but the adjustment process involves time-consuming work and incurs costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle width adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary bearing is made adjustable in the width direction relative to the vehicle frame, allowing dynamic repositioning between fixed width positions. This enables the vehicle width to be changed by simply repositioning the rotary bearing rather than performing complex frame disassembly and reassembly operations, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability to different transport requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary bearing serves multiple functions: it enables steering rotation about the steering swivel axis and simultaneously provides width adjustment capability through repositioning on the adapter plate. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing both time and cost while maintaining vehicle width adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rotary bearing is fastened to an adapter plate with linear guides, then width adjustment is possible, but the linear guides are susceptible to becoming soiled and lack mechanical stability for high loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanical stability and contamination resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter plate serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle frame and the rotary bearing. It provides a rotatable connection with adjustable axis of rotation, mediating both the steering function and the width adjustment function. This intermediary structure avoids the use of linear guides entirely, eliminating contamination issues while maintaining high mechanical stability through the rigid adapter plate construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the linear guide mechanical system with a rotatable adapter plate system. Instead of using sliding or rolling elements in linear guides that are prone to contamination, the invention uses a rotatable connection on the adapter plate that is enclosed and protected, providing both width adjustment capability and resistance to contamination while maintaining mechanical stability for high loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the rotary bearing is adjustable in the width direction with detachable connection, then rapid and cost-effective width modification is enabled, but supply lines may be damaged due to excessive rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth adjustment speedVSAvoidsupply line integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Rotation stop elements are pre-installed on the adapter plate at specific positions that correspond to the maximum safe rotation angle. These stop elements prevent the rotary bearing from rotating beyond the safe limit before damage can occur to supply lines. This preliminary protective measure allows rapid width adjustment while automatically preventing excessive rotation that would damage supply lines, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS9931889B2Width-adjustable heavy-goods vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 GOLDHOFER

AI summary

A heavy goods vehicle (10) having a vehicle frame (12) and at least one driving axis (A), which has on either longitudinal side (10a) of the vehicle (10) a bogie (22) comprising a wheel assembly (14), each wheel assembly (14) comprising at least two wheels arranged symmetrically in relation to a central axis (S), and a wheel suspension (18) by means of which said wheel assembly is fastened to a rotary plate (28) of the bogie (22), this rotary plate (28) being mounted on a rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) which is engaged with the vehicle frame (12) so as to be rotatable about a steering swivel axis (X). According to the invention, the rotary bearing (24) of the bogie (22) can be adjusted in the width direction (B) of the vehicle relative to the vehicle frame (12) and can be detachably connected to the vehicle frame (12) in an operationally stable manner.