Concave Tracked Platform Frame for Terrain Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked ground vehicles face challenges with mobility due to varying terrain and high weight, which leads to increased fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and reduced speed and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A tracked platform design featuring a main frame with a concave bottom and top side, mounting driving wheels with a continuous track positioned between 20% and 45% of the driving wheel diameter from both sides, and optional robotic arms or flippers to enhance mobility and obstacle navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tracked platform uses a traditional tank-like configuration, then it achieves stability and structural simplicity, but it suffers from high weight which increases fuel consumption and reduces speed and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous track is divided into multiple individual track elements (links) that can independently articulate and adapt to terrain variations. This segmentation allows the track to conform to uneven surfaces while using lighter individual components rather than a single heavy rigid structure, thereby maintaining stability through distributed contact while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension adjustment mechanism that allows the continuous track to be positioned at different distances from the bottom side of the main frame (20%-45% of driving wheel diameter). This dimensional adjustment optimizes the track's ground clearance and contact characteristics, enabling the platform to maintain stability on various terrains while using a lighter frame structure.
2Speed
If the tracked platform increases engine power to compensate for high weight, then it maintains mobility capability, but it increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the track into multiple articulated elements, the system reduces the weight that the engine must move, thereby reducing the power requirement. The segmented track can also better utilize terrain features for support, reducing the energy needed for propulsion while maintaining mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the continuous track and the bottom side of the main frame (setting it to 20%-45% of the driving wheel diameter). This parameter optimization improves traction efficiency and reduces sliding losses, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the platform's mobility capability across various terrains.
3Reliability
If the continuous track is positioned closer to the main frame, then it reduces the risk of being thrown off, but it may increase the risk of getting stuck on obstacles and reduce maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic positioning system where the continuous track can be adjusted to different distances from the bottom side of the main frame (20%-45% of driving wheel diameter). This dynamic adjustment allows the track to be positioned optimally for different terrain conditions - closer to the frame for stability on flat ground and farther for better obstacle clearance and maneuverability on rough terrain, thereby resolving the contradiction between track retention and obstacle navigation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracked platform, comprising: a main frame having a bottom side and a top side; a plurality of driving wheels mounted on said main frame; a continuous track mounted on said driving wheels; wherein a distance between said continuous track and said bottom side is between 20% and 45% of said driving wheel diameter and said bottom side is essentially concave.