All-Wheel Drive Track System with Frictional Drive Gears
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies for wheeled vehicles require the removal of wheels for installation, which is costly and inconvenient, especially in adverse conditions like snow, sand, and mud, as they are typically mounted and dismounted in specialized facilities.
Innovation Solution
A track system for all-wheel drive vehicles that allows for the direct adaptation of track assemblies to tires without removing the wheels, featuring a frame structure with drive gears, track rollers, and a tension attachment system, enabling easy mounting and dismounting, and includes a method using ramps for efficient installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track assemblies are mounted directly to the hub replacing wheels, then traction in adverse conditions is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requirement for specialized facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into modular components including a frame structure, drive gears, track rollers, and tension attachment that can be independently assembled and adjusted. This segmentation allows for simplified installation procedures while maintaining the functional integrity needed for improved traction in adverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tension attachment mechanism as an intermediary component that connects the track assembly to the wheel hub without requiring direct wheel removal. This mediator enables the track assembly to be mounted while the wheel remains in place, eliminating the need for specialized facilities and reducing installation complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If track assemblies require wheel removal for installation, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is designed with pre-configured mounting features and alignment mechanisms that prepare the structure for easy installation. The frame structure includes predetermined attachment points and the tension attachment is pre-positioned to engage with the wheel hub, allowing the track assembly to be mounted without removing the wheel while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension attachment serves as an intermediary mechanism that provides a stable connection between the track assembly and the wheel hub without requiring direct mechanical attachment to the wheel itself. This mediator maintains structural integrity while enabling simple mounting procedures that do not require wheel removal or specialized facilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized facilities are required for track assembly installation, then installation precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly incorporates self-aligning features and self-tensioning mechanisms that enable precise installation without requiring specialized facilities or extensive adjustment procedures. The frame structure includes built-in alignment guides and the tension attachment automatically adjusts to the correct tension level, allowing installation to be performed quickly and accurately in standard service environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly is designed with pre-aligned mounting features and pre-positioned components that eliminate the need for complex alignment procedures during installation. The frame structure includes predetermined attachment points and the track rollers are pre-spaced and pre-aligned, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a unit without requiring specialized facilities or extended adjustment time.
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
Enables improved traction and mobility in adverse conditions without the need for specialized facilities, allowing for quick and easy conversion between wheeled and tracked modes while maintaining vehicle stability and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
each having a rotatable drive gear having an apertured and generally cylindrical outer wall drivingly engaged with the track
Implementation Method 2
a tension attachment adapted to apply tension between the frame and the wheel axis and to maintain the tire in engagement against both drive gears
Implementation Method 3
at least one corresponding internal scraper secured to the frame and protruding into the hollow through the at least one open transversal end for scraping an internal surface of the cylindrical outer wall, and at least one corresponding external scraper secured to the frame and aligned for scraping an external surface of the cylindrical outer wall
Data Source
AI summary
The track system includes a plurality of track assemblies, each having track; a frame structure to mount the track to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track. The track assembly also includes two drive gears disposed externally to the track and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of a corresponding one of the tires. The drive gears are drivingly connected with the track for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the drive gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and open ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define channels therebetween allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the drive gears through the apertured ends.