Actuated Track Frame for Soft-Ground Load Equalization

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional track systems for vehicles, especially agricultural and construction vehicles, face issues with soil compaction and uneven load distribution, leading to premature wear of components and poor traction on soft, slippery, or uneven ground surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A track system with a multi-pivot attachment assembly, frame assembly, and adjustable idler wheel assemblies that allow for dynamic load distribution and ground contact area adjustment, utilizing actuators and sensors to optimize traction and reduce soil compaction through controlled actuation based on ground conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional track systems are used, then vehicle can operate on soft ground surfaces, but uneven load distribution occurs across the ground contacting segment causing high pressure spots and soil compaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate on soft groundVSAvoidsoil compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The track system incorporates a compliant mechanism with multiple pivots and linkages that allow the track to dynamically adjust its shape and conform to uneven ground surfaces. This dynamic adaptation distributes the vehicle weight more evenly across the ground-contacting segment, eliminating high pressure spots and reducing soil compaction while maintaining operational capability on soft ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the track structure by introducing flexible joints and compliant mechanisms that alter the rigidity and shape of the track. These parameter changes enable the track to adapt its ground-contacting profile, distributing load more uniformly and reducing harmful pressure concentrations that cause soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional track systems are used, then vehicle can operate on soft ground surfaces, but premature wear of track components occurs due to uneven load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate on soft groundVSAvoidcomponent wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compliant mechanism with multiple pivots and linkages allows the track to dynamically adjust its shape and conform to uneven ground surfaces. This dynamic adaptation distributes the vehicle weight more evenly across the ground-contacting segment, eliminating high pressure spots and reducing soil compaction while maintaining operational capability on soft ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the track structure by introducing flexible joints and compliant mechanisms that alter the rigidity and shape of the track. These parameter changes enable the track to adapt its ground-contacting profile, distributing load more uniformly and reducing harmful pressure concentrations that cause soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If rigid track structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the track cannot conform evenly to ground surface like pneumatic tires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to conform to ground surface

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The track system incorporates a compliant mechanism with multiple pivots and linkages that allow the track to dynamically adjust its shape and conform to uneven ground surfaces. This dynamic adaptation distributes the vehicle weight more evenly across the ground-contacting segment, eliminating high pressure spots and reducing soil compaction while maintaining operational capability on soft ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the track structure by introducing flexible joints and compliant mechanisms that alter the rigidity and shape of the track. These parameter changes enable the track to adapt its ground-contacting profile, distributing load more uniformly and reducing harmful pressure concentrations that cause soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12103609B2Track system

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a first pivot extending vertically and defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the yaw pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, a trailing idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.