Asymmetrical Tandem Wheel Assembly for Track Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional symmetrical tandem assemblies in track systems for off-road vehicles do not effectively eliminate vibrations, leading to reduced comfort and increased maintenance costs due to uneven load distribution and vibration-induced wear.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of asymmetrical tandem assemblies, where the longitudinal distances between wheels on one side of the assembly are different from those on the other side, allowing for adjustable orientations to optimize clearance and vibration reduction, thereby improving ride quality and extending component lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical tandem assemblies are used, then structural simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but vibration reduction effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the tandem wheel assembly with unequal longitudinal distances between wheels on opposite sides. Specifically, the distance between the first and second wheels differs from the distance between the third and fourth wheels, creating an asymmetrical geometry that disrupts the symmetry of vibration excitation and reduces overall vibrations in the track system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If asymmetrical tandem assemblies are used, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the tandem assembly asymmetrical - specifically the longitudinal spacing between wheels on one side differs from the other side, while other aspects of the assembly remain relatively simple. This localized asymmetry provides vibration reduction without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If symmetrical tandem assemblies are used, then manufacturing and installation simplicity are improved, but load distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidload distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the tandem wheel assembly with unequal longitudinal distances between wheels on opposite sides. Specifically, the distance between the first and second wheels differs from the distance between the third and fourth wheels, creating an asymmetrical geometry that disrupts the symmetry of vibration excitation and reduces overall vibrations in the track system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20240383548A1Wheel assembly, track system and vehicle with same
Publication Date: 2024.11.21 SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US20240383548A1 patent drawing
  • US20240383548A1 patent drawing
  • US20240383548A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A tandem wheel assembly, which is for a track system, includes a wheel-carrying structure, a first wheel, a second wheel, a third wheel and a fourth wheel. The wheel-carrying structure pivotably connectable to a frame of the track system. The wheel-carrying structure is configured to pivot relative to the frame about a pivot axis. The wheel-carrying structure includes a first portion extending on one side of the wheel-carrying structure and a second portion extending on the other side of the wheel-carrying structure. The first and second wheels are rotationally connected to the first portion, the first wheel being longitudinally spaced by a first distance from the second wheel. The third and fourth wheels are rotationally connected to the second portion, the third wheel being longitudinally spaced by a second distance from the fourth wheel. The second distance is different from the first distance.