Track-type vehicle having steerable wheels
US5191952A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A track-type vehicle having first and second endless track assemblies and first and second steerable wheels includes a weight management apparatus including a measuring assembly for measuring the angle of steer of the steerable wheels, a hydraulic cylinder connected between the frame of the vehicle and the axles of the steerable wheels, and an actuating device for actuating control valves which control pressure of the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic cylinder. Controlling the pressure of the pressurized fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder, as a function of the angle of steer of the steerable wheels, changes the ground pressure applied by the steerable wheels and the track assemblies. The pressure of the fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinder also determines the amount of contact the track assemblies have with the ground. Steering of track-type vehicles is more difficult than wheel-type vehicles due to the large contact area of the track assemblies with the ground. The subject weight management apparatus reduces the contact area of the track assemblies and provides easier steering of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.