Anti-torque Traction Assembly with Offset Sprockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction kits for vehicles, such as ATVs, often compromise steering, weight distribution, and width limitations, leading to reduced traction and stability, especially when installed on vehicles not initially designed for them, and fail to provide adjustable power transmission ratios.
Innovation Solution
A traction assembly featuring sprocket wheels with different tooth counts for front and rear wheels, radially offset teeth for wider bands, and an anti-torque device with adjustable components to maintain stability and improve steering, allowing for longer and wider traction bands without increasing vehicle width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wider and longer traction bands are used to improve weight distribution and traction, then the contact area with the ground increases, but the vehicle width exceeds the 52-inch limitation and cannot fit in pickup beds or trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies offsetting the sprocket teeth radially outward from the sprocket wheel center, which effectively utilizes the radial dimension to increase the traction band width without increasing the lateral dimension of the vehicle. This dimensional transformation allows the traction band to contact a larger ground area while maintaining vehicle width within the 52-inch limitation.
2Area of stationary object
If traction kits are installed to improve traction, then the contact area with the ground increases, but the steering capabilities are reduced due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sprocket tooth counts to front and rear traction assemblies, creating local differentiation in power transmission characteristics. The front sprockets have fewer teeth than rear sprockets, which reduces the torque and friction at the front wheels, thereby improving steering capability while maintaining enhanced traction through the larger contact area of the traction bands.
3Power
If sprocket teeth are offset to maintain vehicle stability, then the power transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetric offsetting of sprocket teeth relative to the sprocket wheel center, where the teeth are positioned radially outward at specific angles. This asymmetric configuration optimizes power transmission by aligning the teeth with the direction of force application, thereby improving power transfer efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances power and torque transmission, improves steering capabilities, and allows for wider and longer traction bands, providing better weight distribution and stability on uneven terrain without compromising vehicle fitment or performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient means located between the first generally transverse abutting means and the second generally transverse abutting means; a second resilient means located between the first generally transverse abutting means and the third generally transverse abutting means wherein extension of the anti-torque device is countered by the first resilient means and wherein compression of the anti-torque device is countered by the second resilient means
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.