This paper deals with the design and implementation of a double wishbone front suspension for a small vineyard-orchard tractor, developed in conjunction with a major tractor manufacturer. To date there are just medium or heavy weight machines and no small size tractors with independent front suspension on the market. The front suspended axle is recognized as a leading option in improving tractor ride performance on larger vehicles. Moreover, despite their narrow track, vineyard-orchard tractors are required to have good lateral and slope stability (i.e. at least 28 deg rollover angle) and an extremely tight turning diameter (less than 7m). The design analysis is based on retrofitting an existing vehicle with a double wishbone front suspension. The design process, with all related issues, was conducted in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturer. Specification of the suspension pick-up points was determined by means of an iterative process using CAE design and kinematic analysis. Results show that such an improvement is feasible. The final kinematic turning diameter is about 6.4 m, with a ±65mm suspension travel available. The roll centre height value is not very sensitive to steering (about 95 mm excursion), therefore offering slope stability in extreme turning manoeuvres.
Design of a double wishbone front suspension for an orchard-vineyard tractor: Kinematic analysis
UBERTI, Stefano;GADOLA, Marco;CHINDAMO, Daniel;ROMANO, Matteo;
2015-01-01
Abstract
This paper deals with the design and implementation of a double wishbone front suspension for a small vineyard-orchard tractor, developed in conjunction with a major tractor manufacturer. To date there are just medium or heavy weight machines and no small size tractors with independent front suspension on the market. The front suspended axle is recognized as a leading option in improving tractor ride performance on larger vehicles. Moreover, despite their narrow track, vineyard-orchard tractors are required to have good lateral and slope stability (i.e. at least 28 deg rollover angle) and an extremely tight turning diameter (less than 7m). The design analysis is based on retrofitting an existing vehicle with a double wishbone front suspension. The design process, with all related issues, was conducted in collaboration with the vehicle manufacturer. Specification of the suspension pick-up points was determined by means of an iterative process using CAE design and kinematic analysis. Results show that such an improvement is feasible. The final kinematic turning diameter is about 6.4 m, with a ±65mm suspension travel available. The roll centre height value is not very sensitive to steering (about 95 mm excursion), therefore offering slope stability in extreme turning manoeuvres.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
