Angled Ground Engaging Features for Tracked Vehicle Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard continuous tracks on vehicles lack adequate traction on steep or slippery slopes, especially for larger vehicles, and existing traction enhancement methods are cumbersome and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate body and angled ground engaging features, secured by releasable brackets, that enhances traction by providing additional grip on steep or slippery surfaces without damaging the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional traction devices are welded to the track, then traction is improved, but the track and device can be damaged and the process is difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traction enhancement device is divided into separate modular components: an elongate body with ground engaging features and a separate bracket assembly with fasteners. This segmentation allows the device to be installed without welding, as the bracket can be independently attached to the track shoe and the elongate body to the bracket, resolving the contradiction between improving traction and avoiding complex/damaging installation processes.
2Reliability
If fasteners extend through the track shoe to attach grousser, then attachment is achieved, but assembly is awkward if track is already installed on vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly extends perpendicular to the plane of the track shoe, creating a three-dimensional attachment structure. The fasteners pass through the bracket body perpendicular to the track shoe surface, allowing assembly from the exterior of the track rather than requiring disassembly of the track from the vehicle. This dimensional approach maintains secure attachment while greatly simplifying assembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If chain is used to attach grousser assembly, then attachment is achieved, but attachment is not secure and assembly could be ripped off
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary component between the track shoe and the elongate body with ground engaging features. Instead of directly chaining the elongate body to the track shoe, the bracket provides a rigid intermediate structure with multiple fastener attachment points, creating a secure mechanical connection that distributes loads and prevents the assembly from being ripped off while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with a continuous track of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle. The device has an elongate body having a surface and a longitudinal axis. A bracket is arranged to secure the elongate body to the continuous track. A first ground engaging feature and a second ground engaging feature are operatively attached to the elongate body and project beyond the surface of the elongate body. The first ground engaging feature has a plurality of teeth arranged in a line and the second ground engaging feature has a plurality of teeth arranged in a line. The line of the first ground engaging feature extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body and at an angle relative to the line of the second ground engaging feature.