Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This invention relates to vehicle axles and in particular to a variable track width and wheelbase arrangement for vehicle axles suitable to use on vehicles such as agricultural and industrial tractors.
BACKGROUND
[002] There are continuous attempts made to enhance the maneuverability and stability of vehicles. For example, variable track axles are known to facilitate the use of vehicles in different environments, adjustment of vehicle for driving at different speeds or adjustment of vehicle stability at different driving conditions.
[003] A conventional art discloses a tractor having a convertible front end and a variable track width. The tractor has a steerable, interchangeable front wheel assembly and an adjustable rear track width. The removable front wheels assembly allows easy conversion between a single wheel and a two wheel front wheel assembly. In combination with the interchangeable front wheel assembly, the adjustable rear wheel track width allows changing of the turning radius of the tractor. The configuration is clearly directed to large and heavy vehicles of wide turning radius, the turning radius being adjustable by the width of the rear track.
[004] Further, variable track width axles are known for such vehicles to allow track width to be varied from a road width to a wider track width when operating off road and when undertaking various activities such as rough terrain work, front loader work and hard field work. A wider track width can aid stability and improve traction since the rear wheels can be set at a wider track than the front wheels and do not therefore have to work on ground loosened by the front wheels. One additional improvement due to wider track width is improvement to ride comfort when driving on rough terrain. In particular, wider track width decreases the lateral acceleration levels affecting the driver.
[005] Also, other types of agricultural cultivation practices and arable field with compromised headland require shorter turning radius for performing particular operations. These can be catered by a bendable or tapered type front axle. Current, variable width axles arrangements are either complex in nature or do not cater the need. Thus, leading to buying of a new agricultural vehicle for catering the need of shorter turning radius through front axle. Thus, increasing the expenses of farmer on buying two different vehicles.
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for a variable track width arrangement for vehicle axles, which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a variable track width and wheelbase arrangement for vehicle axles suitable to use on vehicles such as agricultural and industrial tractors.
[008] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the variable track width arrangement which allows the track width of the vehicle to be changed easily and without the use of any major tools or other equipment.
[009] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the variable track width arrangement having the track width adjustable between a wide track and a narrow track.
[0010] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the variable wheelbase arrangement which is configured to provide required shorter turning radius for performing predetermined soil operations.
[0011] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the variable track width arrangement which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[0012] Also another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method of varying a track width of vehicle axle for agricultural vehicles.
[0013] 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 DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a front axle of an agricultural vehicle in an original position with a variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the front axle of the agricultural vehicle in a narrowed position (adjusted position) along with the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the front axle of the agricultural vehicle in a narrowed position (adjusted position) with the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 4a depicts a section view of the front axle along a section A-A of FIG. 3 with the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 4b depicts a perspective view of a portion of a center beam having a portion of the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 4c depicts a exploded view showing a pivot pin assembled with a ring of the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement between the central beam and the arm extension, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 4d depicts a perspective view of the ring of the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0022] FIGS. 5a and 5b depict flow charts of a method of varying a front axle track width and wheel base of vehicle for agricultural vehicles, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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.
[0024] The embodiments herein disclose a variable track width and wheelbase arrangement for vehicle front axle suitable to use on vehicles such as agricultural and industrial tractors. Further, the embodiments herein disclose the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement which allows the track width and wheelbase of the vehicle to be changed easily and without the use of any major tools or other equipment. Furthermore, the embodiments herein disclose the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement having the track width adjustable between a wide track and a narrow track. The embodiments herein further disclose the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement which is configured to provide required shorter turning radius for performing predetermined soil operations. Additionally, the embodiments herein disclose the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Also, the embodiments herein disclose a method of varying a track width of vehicle axle for agricultural vehicles. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0025] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) (also referred to as arrangement in this description) is explained herein below with reference to an agricultural vehicle such as tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the arrangement (100) assembled to any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the varying the track width and wheelbase as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a front axle of an agricultural vehicle in an original position with a variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the front axle of the agricultural vehicle in a narrowed position (adjusted position) along with the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the variable track width arrangement (100) includes a central beam (102), a pair of arm extensions (106), a pivot pin (108), a ring (110), a plurality of first grooves and tooth (104), a plurality of second grooves and tooth (112), a cover (114), a castle nut (116) and cotter pin (118).
[0027] The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) includes a central beam (102) which forms a part of the vehicle front axle (200). The central beam (102) is disposed towards a front end of the vehicle. The central beam (102) defines a through hole (H) along a transverse axis at either ends of the central beam (102). The central beam (102) further includes a plurality of first grooves and tooth (104) (or a gear teeth arrangement) on circumference of the through hole (H) at a bottom end of said central beam (102) as shown in FIG. 4b.
[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the front axle of the agricultural vehicle in a narrowed position (adjusted position) with the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. Further, the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) includes the pair of arm extensions (106) which are pivotally connected to a left side and a right side of said central beam (102), respectively. Each of the arm extension (106) includes an engaging portion (not shown) which engages with the central beam (102) on one end and is configured to engage with a portion of wheel on the other end. Each of the arm extension (106) is connected to the central beam (102) such that the extension (106) may be rotated w.r.t the central beam (102) as shown in FIG. 4a-4d. In an embodiment, each arm extension (106) is movable upto 20° from the original position. In an embodiment, each arm extension (106) is movable to 15° from the original position to the narrowed position, thereby achieving a shorter turning radius for the vehicle.
[0029] Furthermore, the variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) includes the ring (110) which is disposed between the central beam (102) and the pair of arm extensions (106). The ring (110) is formed such that the ring (110) defines a plurality of second grooves and tooth (112) (or second gear teeth arrangement) which are adapted to engage with corresponding plurality of first grooves and tooth (104) of the central beam (102) as shown in FIG. 4d. The ring (110) is at least a thrust and guide ring having a predetermined diameter. The ring (110) includes at least two protrusions (p) extending from a bottom surface of the ring (110). In an embodiment, the ring (110) is press-fitted at a predetermined position on the pivot pin (108). The pivot pin (108) includes a first stepped portion which is received by an opening (not shown) defined in each of the arm extension (106). Further, the pivot pin (108) includes a second stepped portion (not shown) which is received within the hole (H) defined in the central beam (102). In an embodiment, the ring (110) is made-up of medium carbon and chromium steel.
[0030] The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) further includes the castle nut (116) and the cotter pin (118) which are engaged to a top portion of the pivot pin (108). The castle nut (116) is provided to securely hold the central beam (102) and the pair of arm extensions (106) through the pivot pin (108).
[0031] Further, the through hole (H) of the central beam (102) is configured to receive a bush (B) and thereby receive the pivot pin (108) through the bush (B). The bush (B) is provided so that the central beam (102) is free to move relative to the pivot pin (108). Furthermore, the arrangement (100) the cover (114) which is mounted between the central beam (102) and the castle nut (116).
[0032] FIGS. 5a and 5b depict flow charts of a method of varying a track width and wheelbase of vehicle for agricultural vehicles, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method (300) for varying a position of vehicle front axle from a straight position (original position) to a tapered (narrowed) position in a vehicle includes loosening a pair of nuts (116) from a pivot pin (108) connecting a pair of arm extensions (106) to a central beam (102) (at step 501). Further, the method (300) includes pushing said pair of arm extensions (106) downward (at step 502). Furthermore, the method (300) includes turning/rotating said pair of arm extensions to a predetermined angle towards a rear end and away from a front end of said vehicle (at step 503). Additionally, the method (300) includes pulling said pair of arm extensions (106) upward (step 504). Moreover, the method (300) includes tightening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) to secure said pair of arm extensions (106) and said central beam (102) (at step 505).
[0033] Similarly, the method (300) for varying a position of said vehicle front axle from said tapered position (narrowed) to said straight position (original) in said vehicle includes loosening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) connecting said pair of arm extensions (106) to said central beam (102) (at step 5001). The method (300) further includes pushing said pair of arm extensions (106) downward (at step 5002). Furthermore, the method (300) includes turning/rotating said pair of arm extensions to a predetermined angle towards said front end and away from said rear end of said vehicle (5003). Additionally, the method (300) includes pulling said pair of arm extensions (106) upward (at step 5004). Moreover, the method includes tightening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) to secure said pair of arm extensions (106) and said central beam (102) (at step 5005).
[0034] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein are achieving shorter turning radius and a wider turning radius in a single vehicle, reduce operating time and cost.
[0035] 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. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim,
1. A variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) for a vehicle axle (200), comprising:
a central beam (102); and
a pair of arm extensions (106) pivotally connected to a left side and a right side of said central beam (102), respectively, and
at least one ring mounted between said central beam (102) and said pair of arm extensions (106),
wherein,
said pair of arm extensions (106) are adapted to be moved/rotated from an original position to a narrowed position and vice-versa, relative to said central beam (102).
2. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central beam (102) defines a through hole (H) along a transverse axis at either ends of said central beam (102) and includes a plurality of first grooves and tooth (104) on circumference of said through hole (H) at a bottom end of said central beam (102).

3. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, said ring (110) having a plurality of second grooves and tooth (112) which are adapted to engage with corresponding plurality of first grooves and tooth (104) of said central beam (102).

4. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said each arm extension (106) is movable upto 20° from said original position, said each arm extension (106) is movable to 15° from said original position to said narrowed position, thereby achieving a shorter turning radius for said vehicle.
5. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central beam (102) is connected to said pair of arm extensions (106) through a pivot pin (108) which extends transversely and said pivot pin (108) is adapted to be received within said through hole (H) of said central beam (102).

6. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ring (110) is at least a thrust and guide ring having a predetermined diameter, said ring (110) includes at least two protrusions extending from a bottom surface of said ring (110).

7. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ring (110) is press-fitted at said predetermined position of said pivot pin (108).

8. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central beam (102) and said pair of arm extensions (106) are secured held by said pivot portion (108), a castle nut (116) and cotter pin (118) engaged to a top portion of said pivot pin (108).

9. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said through hole (H) of said central beam (102) is configured to receive a bush (B) and thereby receive said pivot pin (108) through said bush (B).

10. The variable track width and wheelbase arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arrangement (100) includes a cover (114) which is mounted between said central beam (102) and said pivot pin (108).

11. A method (300) for varying a position of vehicle axle from a straight position to a tapered position in a vehicle, said method (300) comprising:
loosening a pair of nuts (116) from a pivot pin (108) connecting a pair of arm extensions (106) to a central beam (102);
pushing said pair of arm extensions (106) downward;
rotating said pair of arm extensions to a predetermined angle towards a rear end and away from a front end of said vehicle;
pulling said pair of arm extensions (106) upward; and
tightening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) to secure said pair of arm extensions (106) and said central beam (102).

12. The method (300) for varying a position of said vehicle axle from said tapered position to said straight position in said vehicle, said method (300) comprising:
loosening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) connecting said pair of arm extensions (106) to said central beam (102);
pushing said pair of arm extensions (106) downward;
rotating said pair of arm extensions to a predetermined angle towards said front end and away from said rear end of said vehicle;
pulling said pair of arm extensions (106) upward; and
tightening said pair of nuts (116) on said pivot pin (108) to secure said pair of arm extensions (106) and said central beam (102).

13. The method (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said each arm extension (106) is movable upto 20° from said original position, said each arm extension (106) is movable to 15° from said original position to said narrowed position, thereby achieving a shorter turning radius for said vehicle.