Search Results

Research into means of reducing noise from diesel-engined goods vehicles of 30-40 tonnes gross vehicle weight has shown that engine re-design can reduce noise from this component by 5-10 dB(A) within reasonable production, performance and cost constraints. Attention to the exhaust system, cooling package, engine covers and chassis design has resulted in a 10 dB(A) reduction in noise in the cab. Results are quoted from a number of experimental vehicle builds and the basis for a demonstration vehicle built to production standards which should meet a target drive-past noise level of 80 dB(A) is described.

MODERN methods of logging, says Mr. Horine, demand much from trucks. They must be able to carry heavy loads on long hauls over roads that are not always what they might be. In addition, they must do this work with the utmost economy, for the logging business is becoming increasingly competitive. Some of the problems involved in meeting these demands are discussed herewith.

It is the purpose of the author to analyze some of the factors that have influenced tractor development. He reviews a number of factors on which the usefulness of tractors depends, showing what the farmer is interested in when buying tractors and how the design should be worked out to secure the greatest general efficiency. The paper then mentions certain general specifications that are required by tractor engines. The author finds that the conditions on about 90 per cent of all farms require a four-cylinder engine of between 16 and 40 hp., operating on the four-stroke cycle. The disadvantages of the two-cylinder horizontal-opposed engine are summarized. An empirical formula is given that can be used to calculate the most satisfactory operating speed of an engine. In concluding the paper a number of the most important general themes of design are outlined. Particular mention is made of the lubrication system and of the special provisions required for kerosene burning engines.

In paper, the virtual prototype of the rolling – guiding – suspension system of an off-road vehicle is presented. The prototype has been made with the MBS software ADAMS, and takes into consideration the geometric restrictions as well as the nonlinear characteristics of the elastic and damping elements. The experiment designed is one frequently carried by the automotive manufacturers, namely dynamic with shock test, which consists in the sudden release of the car to fall on the ground from a given height. On the virtual prototype, a lot of measurements have been made having in view to optimize the dynamic behavior of the suspension system and to enhance the vehicle safety.

A recently developed three directional (3 D) optical square establishes three mutually perpendicular lines-of-sight in one instrument setting. Since no realignment or rotation is required once it is aligned to a target, a substantial savings in time and cost is realized in tool erection and routine checking. The instrument and its application at The Boeing Company is discussed in this paper.

The purpose of this paper is to properly instruct the user of Epoxy Resin so as to avoid difficulties in constructing Die Aids, Checking Fixtures and Duplicate Body Die Models.

Tire costs contribute significantly to the operating cost of earthmoving equipment. These costs can be monitored with a tire record system and reduced by utilizing the different options and products the tire manufacturers have to offer.

The question of the use of tires and tracks on agricultural prime movers is again surfacing. The four-wheel drive market is growing fast, particularly in areas where crawlers have been popular. The relative performance characteristics of tires and tracks are compared in agricultural soil conditions. Compaction characteristics are studied and an overall cost/benefit analysis is made supporting the trend to four-wheeled drive tractors in the agricultural market.

This paper presents the design objectives and features of the new SWINGER TITAN HL articulated wheel loader produced at Dynamic Industries. The new design introduces a new concept for the lift arms. Instead of one rigid pair, there are two parallel pairs with self-leveling linkages. This allows for a higher reach. The overall dimensions of the machine remain the same as the original TITAN 25.

Communication is vital to the successful delivery of freight. A product that uses the latest communications technology, and makes that technology easily accessible to a driver would be a great benefit to the trucking industry. This paper focuses on the iterative design process of such a product called the Truck Productivity Computer™ (TruckPC). The TruckPC is a combination of an audio system, which includes radio, CD and weather, and an open platform communications and computing system. This paper discusses the driver-centered design process that was used in the development of both software and hardware interfaces. Topics discussed include the human factors guidelines that provided a basis for early design values and testing that concerned the design of the user input modes (buttons, knobs, speech recognition) and output modes (display, division of information on the display, text-to-speech synthesis).