Claims:1. An adjustable wheelbase system (200) for a vehicle (100), said adjustable wheelbase system (200) comprising:
a semi-chassis (201), said semi-chassis (201) includes a wheelbase defining member (203), said wheelbase defining member (203) defines a plurality of front axle locking portions (301);
a front axle (205), said front axle (205) includes a center tube (401), said center tube (401) is transverse to said front axle (205); and
at least one first locking member (403), said first locking member (403) is adapted to lock said front axle (205) onto said wheelbase defining member (203) through said center tube (401) at one of said plurality of front axle locking portions (301) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of said vehicle (100).
2. The adjustable wheelbase system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable wheelbase system (200) includes,
an axle swing stopper (207) positioned on a front end (401F) of said center tube (401) of said front axle (205), wherein said axle swing stopper (207) defines a pair of arms (207A, 207B); and
at least one second locking member (405) adapted to lock said front axle (205) onto said wheelbase defining member (203) through a rear end (401R) of said center tube (401),
wherein
said front axle (205) includes at least two stoppers (407A, 407B), said stoppers (407A, 407B) are adapted to engage arms (207A, 207B) of said axle swing stopper (207) thereby restricting swinging of said front axle (205);
each of said front axle locking portions (301) is in-line and spaced away from adjacent said front axle locking portion (301); and
said center tube (401) extends on both sides of said front axle (205), where said center tube (401) is adapted to receive said wheelbase defining member (203).
3. The adjustable wheelbase system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein adjustable wheelbase system (200) includes,
an adjustable drag link (209), where one end (209A) of said adjustable drag link (209) is connected to a steering knuckle (211) and another end (209B) of said adjustable drag link (209) is coupled to a steering unit (107) of said vehicle (100),
wherein
said adjustable drag link (209) includes an inner drag link (209I) and an outer drag link (209O), each of said inner drag link (209I) and outer drag link (209O) defines plurality of drag link locking portions (209H), said outer drag link (209O) is adjustably connected on said inner drag link (209I) by inserting at least one link lock member (209L) at one of said drag link locking portions (209H) in accordance to the adjusted wheelbase of said vehicle (100).
4. The adjustable wheelbase system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said semi-chassis (201) is attached to an engine (101) of said vehicle (100), said semi-chassis (201) is made of steel or cast iron or aluminum, where said semi-chassis (201) includes provisions (305) for mounting a hood, a battery holder, a radiator, a hydraulic pipe routing and electrical harness routing of said vehicle (100).
5. The adjustable wheelbase system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheelbase defining member (203) is a solid/hollow member, where front end (203A) of said wheelbase defining member (203) is secured to a front portion (201F) of said semi-chassis (201) and rear end (203B) of said wheelbase defining member (203) is secured to a hook (303) located at a bottom portion of said semi-chassis (201) by inserting said wheelbase defining member (203) through said center tube (401) of said front axle (205).
6. An adjustable wheelbase system (700) for a vehicle (100), said adjustable wheelbase system (700) comprising:
a semi-chassis (701), said semi-chassis (701) includes an axle mounting member (703);
a front axle (601), said front axle (601) includes a center body housing (601C), wherein said center body housing (601C) is adapted to slidably receive said axle mounting member (703); and
an actuator (705), said actuator (705) includes a final linearly movable member (707) coupled to said front axle (601), wherein said final linearly movable member (707) is adapted to move said front axle (601) with respect to said axle mounting member (703) along a lengthwise direction of said vehicle (100) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of said vehicle (100) on operation of said actuator (705).
7. The adjustable wheelbase system (700) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said adjustable wheelbase system (700) includes,
a user input module (711); and
a control unit (709) in communication with said user input module (711), wherein said control unit (709) actuates said actuator (705) based on an input received from said user input module (711) and only when at least one of said vehicle speed is zero km/hr and said vehicle (100) is in neutral gear condition,
wherein
said user input module (711) is located on a dashboard (111) of said vehicle (100); and
said actuator (705) is one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and an electric linear actuator.
8. The adjustable wheelbase system (700) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said adjustable wheelbase system (700) includes,
an adjustable drag link (713), where one end (713A) of said adjustable drag link (713) is connected to a steering knuckle (611) and another end (713B) of said adjustable drag link (713) is coupled to a steering unit (107) of said vehicle (100), wherein said adjustable drag link (713) includes an inner drag link (713I) and an outer drag link (713O), said outer drag link (713O) is slidably connected on said inner drag link (713I),
a plurality of thrust bearings (603A, 603B),
a plurality of stopper mounting members (613A, 613B), where each of said thrust bearing (603A, 603B) and each of said stopper mounting member (613A, 613B) is positioned on corresponding side of said center body housing (601C) in a co-axial manner;
an axle swing stopper (605), said axle swing stopper (605) is mounted over corresponding said stopper mounting member (613A, 613B) at least on one side;
a bracket (607) adapted to secure said thrust bearings (603A, 603B) and said axle swing stopper (605) with said front axle (601); and
at least two stoppers (609A, 609B), said stoppers (609A, 609B) are adapted to engage arms (605A, 605B) of said axle swing stopper (605) thereby restricting swinging of said front axle (601).
9. A method (900) for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle (100), said method (900) comprising:
unlocking an inner drag link (209I) from an outer drag link (209O) by removing at least one link lock member (209L) from said inner drag link (209I) and said outer drag link (209O);
unlocking a front axle (205) from a wheelbase defining member (203) by removing at least one first locking member (403) from a center tube (401) of said front axle (205);
adjusting a position of said front axle (205) by moving said front axle (205) with respect to said wheelbase defining member (203) along a lengthwise direction of said vehicle (100) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of said vehicle (100);
locking said front axle (205) with said wheelbase defining member (203) by inserting at least one first locking member (403) with a center tube (401) of said front axle (205); and
locking said inner drag link (209I) with said outer drag link (209O) by inserting at least one link lock member (209L) into corresponding drag link locking portion (209H) defined on said inner drag link (209I) and outer drag link (209O).
10. A method (1000) for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle (100), said method (1000) comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (709), an input from a user input module (711); and
moving, by an actuator (705), a front axle (601) with respect to an axle mounting member (703) along a lengthwise direction of said vehicle (100), thereby adjusting said wheelbase of said vehicle (100) based on the instructions from said control unit (709) to said actuator (705).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable wheelbase system for a vehicle, (agricultural vehicle or work vehicle), where the adjustable wheelbase system is adapted for varying a distance between a front axle and a rear axle for performing various applications.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, work vehicles used in an agricultural and constructional environment include tractor, bulldozer, excavator, harvester, cultivator, cargo vehicle, utility vehicle, multifunctional vehicle, multipurpose vehicle, leisure vehicle, pickup vehicle, transport vehicle, agricultural vehicle, farm vehicle, skid loader, industry vehicle, load vehicle and the like are specially designed for off-road applications. Often, in addition to the agricultural work such as ploughing, puddling, tilling, shoveling, harrowing in a field, these vehicles are used for haulage purposes such as to transport a load from one place to another place. Typically, a trailer is attached to the vehicle and the trailer is used to carry loads. In these vehicles, the internal combustion engine is the primary source of power which is located in the front of the vehicle while one of a three-point linkage, a drawbar or a tow hook is placed at rear of the vehicle to attach the trailer.
[003] Stability is very important for this vehicle while carrying out works in the field or while transporting heavy goods to and from the field. Stability of the vehicle is essential at all times, irrespective of whether the load or implements are attached. If the vehicle is not stable, there is a possibility of rollover or loss of contact with the road. Therefore, an optimum wheelbase is one of the necessary elements for vehicle stability. Wheelbase is the distance between a front and rear axle of the vehicle. If the wheelbase is high, the vehicle is more stable but has a longer turning radius and vice versa. So, the vehicle with longer wheelbase is more suitable for haulage application and the vehicle with shorter wheelbase is well suited for agriculture field applications. So, it is essential to have adjustable wheelbase in this type of vehicle for working in both field and road.
[004] Conventionally, there are some systems and methods to adjust the wheelbase of the vehicle. One such system is an expandable vehicle frame, wherein the vehicle frame includes first and second members having adjustably telescoping channel portions securable by bolts disposed in selected combinations of holes provided in the channel portions for adjusting vehicle wheelbase. But it cannot be specifically applied for vehicles which are being used for different farm applications to adjust and achieve the required wheelbase suitable for the particular farm application. Further, the time period for adjusting the wheelbase by using this structure is high.
[005] Another conventional wheelbase adjustment system includes a telescoping structure to change the front axle position there by to adjust the wheelbase of the vehicle. The telescoping adjustment structure is subjected to many drawbacks such as to develop the front axle assembly incorporated with the telescoping structure and also this is not suitable for all types of vehicle. It is difficult to perform wheelbase adjustment single handedly since rotating the telescoping structure manually many times for wheelbase adjustment is a tedious task and cumbersome and also results in fatigue to the operator.
[006] Therefore, felt a need for developing a simple, efficient, adjustable wheelbase system for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for a method for adjusting wheelbase of the vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable wheelbase system and methods for adjusting wheelbase of the vehicle for performing various applications.
[009] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide the adjustable wheelbase system and wheelbase adjustment method suitable for the agricultural or other work vehicle.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the adjustable wheelbase system which is simple in design.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the adjustable wheelbase system which is cost effective.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an auto adjustable wheelbase system which involves less manual effort.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the adjustable wheelbase system which consumes less time for adjusting wheelbase of the vehicle.
[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the adjustable wheelbase system which allows adjustments in steering linkages for effective performance of the steering system corresponding to the adjusted wheelbase position of the vehicle.
[0015] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] Figure 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of an adjustable wheelbase system of the vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] Figure 3a depicts a perspective view of a semi-chassis of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] Figure 3b depicts another perspective view of the semi-chassis of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] Figure 4a depicts a perspective view of a front axle of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0022] Figure 4b depicts another perspective view of the front axle of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0023] Figure 5a depicts another perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system, where a front axle is adjusted and positioned at a rear end of a wheelbase defining member resulting in a shorter wheelbase of the vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0024] Figure 5b depicts another perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system, where the front axle is adjusted and positioned at a front end of the wheelbase defining member resulting in a longer wheelbase of the vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0025] Figure 6a depicts a perspective view of a front axle of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0026] Figure 6b depicts another perspective view of the front axle of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0027] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0028] Figure 8a and 8b depicts the side view of the vehicle, which shows various wheelbase adjustments for on-road and off-road application, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0029] Figure 9 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0030] Figure 10 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle, according to another embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1 through Figure 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0032] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the adjustable wheelbase system and method thereof is explained herein below in conjunction with the agricultural vehicle such as tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use the adjustable wheelbase system and method in any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0033] As discussed hereinbefore, wheelbase is a distance between a front axle and a rear axle of the vehicle. If the wheelbase is high, the vehicle will be more stable but have a longer turning radius and vice versa. So, the vehicle with longer wheelbase is well suitable for haulage or on-road application and the vehicle with shorter wheelbase is well suited for field or off-road applications. So, it is essential to have adjustable wheelbase for the vehicles such as agricultural, work vehicles, tractor which are having both on-road and off-road applications.
[0034] Figure 1 depicts a side view of a vehicle (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle (100) is considered as an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to consider the vehicle as any other off-road work vehicle. The vehicle (100) includes an internal combustion engine (101), a transmission system (103), a pair of front and rear wheels ((105A, 105B) (only one of each front and rear wheel is shown in fig. 1)), a steering unit (107), a steering wheel (109), a dashboard (111), and an adjustable wheelbase system (200). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the steering unit (107) is used to control direction of motion of the vehicle (100) by controlling the direction of the front wheels (105A).
[0035] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system (200) of the vehicle (100), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable wheelbase system (200) includes a semi-chassis (201), a front axle (205), an axle swing stopper (207) and an adjustable drag link (209). The semi-chassis (201) is a frame which is attached to the engine (101) of the vehicle (100). The semi-chassis (201) is made of steel or cast iron or aluminum or other similar material. The semi-chassis includes a wheelbase defining member (203), where the wheelbase defining member (203) is a solid/hollow member. The wheelbase defining member (203) is adapted to define the wheelbase of the vehicle by locking the front axle (205) at one of a plurality of front axle locking portions ((301) (as shown in fig. 3b)) defined on the wheelbase defining member (203).
[0036] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable drag link (209) includes two ends ((209A, 209B) (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 5a and fig. 5b)), where one end (209A) of the adjustable drag link (209) is connected to a steering knuckle (211) and another end (209B) of the adjustable drag link (209) is coupled to the steering unit (107) of the vehicle (100). The steering knuckle (211) is a pivot point of the front axle (205), which allows the front wheels (105A) to turn according the rotation of the steering wheel (109). When the operator of the vehicle (100) turns the steering wheel (109), the motion is transmitted to front wheels (105A) through a steering shaft (107A), a drop arm ((107B) (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 5a and fig. 5b)), adjustable drag link (209) and the steering knuckle (211). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable drag link (209) includes an inner drag link (209I) and an outer drag link ((209O) (as shown in fig. 2 to fig. 3b)). Each of the inner drag link (209I) and the outer drag link (209O) defines a plurality of drag link locking portions ((209H) (as shown in fig. 2, fig. 5a and fig. 5b)) for receiving at least one link lock member (209L) thereby securing the outer drag link (209O) with the inner drag link (209I) at the adjusted position in accordance to the wheelbase adjustment of the vehicle. The outer drag link (209O) is adjustably connected on the inner drag link (209I) by inserting at least one link lock member (209L) at one of the plurality of drag link locking portions (209H) in accordance to the wheelbase adjustment of the vehicle. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the link lock member (209L) is a bolt and nut. However, it is also within the scope of the invention, to consider the link lock member (209L) to be any type fastener such as screws, clamp, anchors etc.
[0037] Figure 3a and Figure 3b depict perspective views of the semi-chassis (201) of the adjustable wheelbase system (200), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the semi-chassis (201) defines two extended arms (201A, 201B) to connect the semi-chassis (201) with the engine (101) of the vehicle (100) by using plurality of fasteners. The two extended arms (201A, 201B) of the semi-chassis (201) are attached to left and right side of crankcase of the engine (101) in longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100). Further, the semi-chassis includes a cross member (201C) which is connecting the two extended arms (201A, 201B) at bottom side. The semi-chassis (201) defines a ‘U’ shaped front portion (201F). The front portion (201F) defines a circular hole adapted to receive one end of the wheelbase defining member (203). A mounting bracket (203M) of the wheelbase defining member (203) is secured to the front portion (201F) for mounting one end of the wheelbase defining member (203). A hook (303) is attached by means of welding to the cross member (201C). In the embodiment of present disclosure, a front end (203A) of the wheelbase defining member (203) is secured to the front portion (201F) of the semi-chassis (201) through the mounting bracket (203M) and a rear end (203B) of the wheelbase defining member (203) is secured to the hook (303) located at a bottom portion of the semi-chassis (201). The assembly of the wheelbase defining member (203) to the semi-chassis (201) is as follows. The front axle (205) is positioned below the semi-chassis (201). The rear end (203B) of the wheelbase defining member (203) is inserted to the circular hole of the front portion (201F) of semi-chassis (201)and pushed in a direction towards the front axle (205) and the hook (303) thereby positioning the front end ((203A) in vicinity of the center hole of the front portion (201F) of the semi-chassis (201) and the rear end (203B) of the wheelbase defining member (203) is positioned at the hook (303) by inserting the wheelbase defining member (203) through the front axle (205). The mounting bracket (203M) is fastened with the front portion (201F) of the semi-chassis (201) by means of bolt or any other similar fastening element to secure the front end (203A) of the wheelbase defining member (203). The semi-chassis (201) defines a space between the two extended arms (201A, 201B) and the wheelbase defining member (203) to receive the front axle (205). The wheelbase defining member (203) defines the plurality of front axle locking portions (301) to lock the front axle (205) at a desired position of the operator of the vehicle (100). Each of front axle locking portions (301) is in-line and spaced away from adjacent front axle locking portion (301). The position of the front axle (205) can be fixed at any one of the defined locking portions (301) thereby the operator of the vehicle (100) has multiple options to set the wheelbase depending on his/her requirement. In the present embodiment, the distance between adjacent two front axle locking portions (301) defined on the wheelbase defining member (203) are equal to the distance between adjacent two drag link locking portions (209H) defined in each inner and outer drag links (209I and 209O). The semi-chassis (201) also includes plurality of provisions (305) for mounting a hood, a battery holder, a radiator, a hydraulic pipe routing and electrical harness routing of the vehicle (100).
[0038] Figure 4a and Figure 4b depict perspective views of the front axle (205) of the adjustable wheelbase system (200), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the front axle (205) is a rigid beam which connects both the front wheels (105A). The front axle (205) is a non-rotatable dead axle, and a primary function of the front axle (205) is to support weight of the vehicle (100) at front end and to support steering of the front wheels (105A). Also, the front axle (205) absorbs the shocks due undulated road surface and also it absorbs the torque applied on it due to braking of the vehicle (100). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the front axle (205) is a modular type made of three parts namely a left trumpet (205L), a right trumpet (205R) and a center body housing (205C). Both left and right trumpets (205L, 205R) are attached to the center body housing (205C) by welding or any other similar joining means. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the front axle (205) includes a center tube (401) which is inserted into the center body housing (205C) transverse to the front axle (205). The center tube (401) extends on both sides namely front and rear ends (401F, 401R). The center tube (401) is adapted to receive the wheelbase defining member (203). Both the front and rear ends (401F, 401R) defines the axle locking portion to receive the first and second locking member (403, 405) respectively for locking the front axle (205) with the wheelbase defining member (203) at the adjusted position. The first locking member (403) and the second locking member (405) are adapted to lock the front axle (205) onto the wheelbase defining member (203) through the center tube (401) at one of the plurality of front axle locking portions (301) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100).
[0039] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the axle swing stopper (207) is adapted to restrict a swing of the front axle (205). The axle swing stopper (207) defines a pair of arms (207A, 207B) extending on both sides thereof. The axle swing stopper (207) is positioned either on front end (401F) or rear end (401R) of the center tube (401) of the front axle (205). The axle swing stopper (207) defines a through axle locking portion which is co-axial to the axle locking portion defined on the center tube (401) to receive the first locking member (403) to lock the front axle (205) with the wheelbase defining member (203). The front and rear ends (401F, 401R) of the center tube (401) defines external threads. The axle swing stopper (207) includes internal threads corresponding to the external threads of the center tube (401). The axle swing stopper (207) is movably mounted on the external threads of the center tube (401). The axle swing stopper (207) is manually rotatable either by hand or with the help of tools. The second locking member (405) is adapted to lock the front axle (205) onto the wheelbase defining member (203) through rear end (401R) of the center tube (401) at the adjusted wheelbase position. The axle swing stopper (207) is typically made of cast iron or steel or other suitable material. The front axle (205) further includes at least two stoppers (407A, 407B) which are adapted to engage the arms (207A, 207B) of the axle swing stopper (207) thereby restricting swinging of the front axle (205). In the present embodiment, bolt and nuts are used as the first and second locking member (403, 405). However, it is also within the scope of the invention, to use a clamp, castle nuts or fasteners or any other threaded elements as the locking member (403, 405).
[0040] Figure 5a depicts perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system (200), where the front axle (205) is adjusted and positioned at rear end (203B) of the wheelbase defining member (203) resulting in a shorter wheelbase of the vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. Adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100) is as follows. The first and second locking member ((403, 405) (as shown in fig. 4a)) is removed from the center tube (401) of the front axle (205) by manually or with the help of unlocking tools thereby unlocking the front axle (205) from the wheelbase defining member (203). The link lock member (209L) is removed from the adjustable drag link (209) by manually or with the help of unlocking tools thereby unlocking the inner drag link (209I) from the outer drag link (209O). Thereafter, push/pull the front axle (205) with respect to the wheelbase defining member (203) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (100) manually. Further, insert at least one first and second locking member (403, 405) into corresponding front axle locking portions (301) defined on the wheelbase defining member (203), the center tube (401) of the front axle (205) and the axle swing stopper (207). Thereafter, insert at least one link lock member (209L) at the corresponding drag link locking portion (209H) of the adjustable drag link (209) to lock the inner drag link (209I) with the outer drag link (209O) in accordance with the adjusted wheelbase of the vehicle (100) particularly for field or off-road application. As disclosed herein before, if the wheelbase is low, the vehicle (100) have a lesser turning radius. So, the vehicle with shorter wheelbase is suited for agriculture field applications or off-road applications to turn the vehicle (100) effectively in the headlands of the farm field.
[0041] Figure 5b depicts perspective view of the adjustable wheelbase system (200), where the front axle (205) is adjusted and positioned at front end (203A) of the wheelbase defining member (203) resulting in longer wheelbase of the vehicle, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. Adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100) is as follows. The first and second locking member ((403, 405) (as shown in fig. 4b)) is removed from the center tube (401) of the front axle (205) by manually or with the help of unlocking tools thereby unlocking the front axle (205) from the wheelbase defining member (203). The link lock member (209L) is removed from the adjustable drag link (209) by manually or with the help of unlocking tools thereby unlocking the inner drag link (209I) from the outer drag link (209O). Thereafter, push/pull the front axle (205) with respect to the wheelbase defining member (203) in a forward direction of the vehicle (100) manually. Further, insert at least one first and second locking member (403, 405) into corresponding front axle locking portions (301) defined on the wheelbase defining member (203), the center tube (401) of the front axle (205) and the axle swing stopper (207). Thereafter, insert at least one link lock member (209L) at the corresponding drag link locking portion (209H) of the adjustable drag link (209) to lock the inner drag link (209I) with the outer drag link (209O) in accordance with the adjusted wheelbase of the vehicle (100) particularly for field or off-road application. As disclosed herein before, if the wheelbase is high, the vehicle is more stable and have a longer turning radius. So, the vehicle (100) with longer wheelbase is suited for haulage or on-road applications to run the vehicle (100) stably without the front lifting while hauling the heavy loads.
[0042] Figure 6a and Figure 6b depict perspective views of the front axle (601) of the adjustable wheelbase system (700) (shown in Figure 7), according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the front axle (601) includes a left trumpet (601L), a right trumpet (601R) and a center body housing (601C). Both left and right trumpets (601L, 601R) are attached to the center body housing (601C) by welding or any other similar joining means. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the front axle (601) includes thrust bearings (603A, 603B), swing stopper mounting members (613A, 613B) on both sides of the center body housing (601C) and an axle swing stopper (605), where the axle swing stopper (605) is mounted over the stopper mounting member (613A, 613B) at least one side. A bracket (607) used to secure axle swing stopper (605), the thrust bearings (603A, 603B) and the stopper mounting members (613A, 613B) with the front axle (601). The axle swing stopper (605) defines a pair of arms (605A, 605B) extending on both sides thereof. The front axle (601) further includes at least two stoppers (609A, 609B) which are adapted to engage the arms (605A, 605B) of the axle swing stopper (605) thereby restricting swinging of the front axle (601).
[0043] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of an adjustable wheelbase system (700), according to another embodiment as disclosed herein. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable wheelbase system (700) includes a semi-chassis (701), a front axle (601), an actuator (705), a control unit (709), a user input module (711), an adjustable drag link (713), a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) and a gear position sensor (not shown). The semi-chassis (701) includes an axle mounting member (703). The center body housing (601C) of the front axle (601) which is adapted to slidably receive the axle mounting member (703). The axle mounting member (703) includes a female relief groove (703G) on the side throughout the length of the axle mounting member (703). The stopper mounting member (613A, 613B) includes a male projection ((613P) (as shown in fig. 6a and fig. 6b)) which is aligned with the female relief groove (703G) of the axle mounting member (703). The male projection (613P) and the female relief groove (703G) arrangement used to restrict the rotating motion of the axle swing stopper (605) while assembling. The control unit (709) actuates the actuator (705) depends on an input received from at least one of the user input module (711), the vehicle speed sensor and the gear position sensor. The actuator (705) includes a final linearly movable member (707) coupled to the front axle (601). The final linearly movable member (707) of the actuator (705) is adapted to move the front axle (601) with respect to the axle mounting member (703) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100) on operation of the actuator (705). The control unit (709) configured to receive the input from vehicle speed sensor (not shown). In another embodiment, the control unit configured to receive the input from a gear position sensor (not shown) and the control unit (709) actuates the actuator (705) only if the vehicle (100) is in neutral gear condition. In another embodiment, the control unit (709) configured to receive the input from both the vehicle speed sensor (not shown) and the gear position sensor (not shown). The control unit (709) actuates the actuator (705) only if the vehicle (100) speed is zero km/hr and the vehicle (100) is in neutral gear condition. By that, the operator of the vehicle cannot perform the wheelbase adjustment during the vehicle (100) running condition. In the present embodiment, one end (713A) of the adjustable drag link (713) is connected to a steering knuckle (611) and another end (713B) of the adjustable drag link (713) is coupled to the steering unit (107) of the vehicle (100). The adjustable drag link (713) includes an inner drag link (713I) and an outer drag link (713O). The outer drag link (713O) is slidably connected on the inner drag link (713I). The user input module (711) is located on the dashboard ((111) (as shown in fig. 1)) of the vehicle (100). Whenever the position of the front axle (601) is changed, the position of the adjustable drag link (209) also is adjusting with respect to the adjusted position of front axle (601). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator (705) is a hydraulic cylinder. However, it is also within the scope of the invention, to use a pneumatic cylinder or an electric linear actuator (electric motor) as the actuator (705).
[0044] Figure 8a and Figure 8b depicts the side views of the vehicle, which shows various wheelbase adjustments (A & A+X) for on-road and off-road application, according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. The ‘A’ is the distance between the front axle and the rear axle of the vehicle (100), and the wheelbase position ‘A’ refers shortest wheelbase adjustment, and the wheelbase can be varied ‘A+X’ distance by the embodiment shown here. In the present embodiment of the disclosure, the shortest wheelbase of the vehicle is 1550 mm (A), and the longest wheelbase is 1830 mm (A+X). The wheelbase of the vehicle can be adjusted between the above-mentioned length as mentioned above at various positions.
[0045] Figure 9 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (900) for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle (100), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (900) is explained herein below with reference to adjusting the wheelbase of the agricultural vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (900) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (900) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (900) for adjusting the wheelbase of any other vehicle, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (900) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, at step 901, the method (900) includes, unlocking inner drag link (209I) from outer drag link (209O) by removing at least one link lock member (209L) from the inner drag link (209I) and outer drag link (209O). At step 903, the method (900) includes unlocking the front axle (205) from a wheelbase defining member (203) by removing at least one first locking member (403) from the center tube (401) of the front axle (205). At step 905, the method (900) includes adjusting a position of the front axle (205) by moving the front axle (205) with respect to wheelbase defining member (203) along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (100) thereby adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100). At step 907, the method (900) includes locking the front axle (205) with the wheelbase defining member (203) by inserting at least one first locking member (403) into corresponding front axle locking portion (301) defined on a center tube (401) of the front axle (205), the wheelbase defining member (203) and the axle swing stopper (207). At step 809, the method (900) includes locking the inner drag link (209I) with the outer drag link (209O) by inserting at least one link lock member (209L) into corresponding drag link locking portion (209H) defined on the inner drag link (209I) and outer drag link (209O).
[0046] Figure 10 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (1000) for adjusting a wheelbase of a vehicle (100), according to the embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (1000) is explained herein below with reference to adjusting the wheelbase of the agricultural vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (1000) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (1000) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (1000) for adjusting the wheelbase of any other vehicle, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (1000) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. At step 1001, the method (1000) includes receiving, by the control unit (709), an input from the user input module (711). At step 1003, the method (900) includes moving, by the actuator (705), a front axle (601) with respect to an axle mounting member (703) along a lengthwise direction of the vehicle (100), thereby adjusting the wheelbase of the vehicle (100) based on the instructions from control unit (709) to the actuator (705).
[0047] Advantageously, the adjustable wheelbase system (200, 700) of the present disclosure provides simple, efficient, adjustable wheelbase system. Also, the adjustable wheelbase system (200, 700) reduces the risk of vehicle roll over by adjusting the stability for on road and off-road applications. The simple and cost-efficient adjustable wheelbase system (200, 700) provides positive traction to the vehicle (100) and higher tractive efficiency.
[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
[0049] It is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention.
[0050] Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0051] The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
[0052] Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to imply including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.
[0053] The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.
[0054] The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “top”, and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “downwardly”, “upwardly” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
[0055] These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the corresponding apparatus or device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship, wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Vehicle
101 – Engine
103 – Transmission system
105A – Front wheels
105B – Rear wheels
107 – Steering unit
109 – Steering wheel
111 - Dashboard
200, 700 - Adjustable wheelbase system
201, 701 - Semi-chassis
201A, 201B - Extended arms
201C - Cross member
201F - Front portion
203 – Wheelbase defining member
203A – Front end of wheelbase defining member
203B – Rear end of wheelbase defining member
203M - Mounting bracket
205, 601 - Front axle
205L, 601L - Left trumpet
205R, 601R - Right trumpet
205C, 601C - Center body housing
207 - Axle swing stopper
207A, 207B – Arms of axle swing stopper
209, 713 - Adjustable drag link
209A, 713A – One end of adjustable drag link
209B, 713B – Another end of adjustable drag link
209I, 713I - Inner drag link
209O, 713O - Outer drag link
209H – drag link locking portions
209L - Link lock member
211, 611 - Steering knuckle
301 - Front axle locking portions
303 – Hook
305 – Provisions
401, 603 - Center tube
401F – Front end of center tube
401R – Rear end of center tube
403 – First Locking member
405 – Second locking member
407A, 407B, 609A, 609B - Stoppers
603A, 603B – Thrust bearings
605 – Swing stopper
605A, 605B – Arms of swing stopper
607 – Bottom bracket
613A, 613B - Stopper mounting members
613P - Male projection
703 - Axle mounting member
703G - Female relief groove
705 – Actuator
707 - Final linearly movable member
709 – Control unit
711 – User Input Module