Cylindrical Driving Wheel Rim for Tracked Vehicle Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicle driving systems, such as those in snow groomers, experience vibrations and wear due to polygonal track paths, which compromise comfort and component longevity, especially at high speeds and steep inclines, and existing solutions involving elastomeric toothed belts are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A driving wheel design featuring a rim with a cylindrical surface and integral teeth that guide a belt along a circular path, allowing shock absorption and direct force transmission to cross-links, with a ring that rotates independently to prevent tension and reduce friction, eliminating the need for additional bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a toothed belt made of elastomeric material is used to engage with the driving wheel, then shocks and vibrations are absorbed, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the polygonal path with a circular path. The driving wheel features a cylindrical surface that guides the belt along a circular trajectory, eliminating the sharp corners of polygonal paths that generate vibrations. This curved geometry absorbs shocks and reduces vibrations while maintaining a simple structural design without requiring complex elastomeric toothed belts.
2Device complexity
If the guide belt is driven along a polygonal path, then the driving system is simple, but vibrations are generated compromising comfort and component longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical surface on the driving wheel creates a circular path for the guide belt, replacing the polygonal path. This curvature eliminates the abrupt directional changes that cause vibrations, while the overall driving system remains simple and maintains its structural integrity without complex components.
3Device complexity
If the ring is fixed to the rim, then the structure is simpler, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is made rotatable relative to the rim through a bearing, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This allows the ring to rotate independently, reducing friction between the ring and the rim. The bearing facilitates smooth relative motion, eliminating wear while maintaining structural simplicity through a well-established mechanical solution.
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
This design reduces vibrations and wear by absorbing shocks and transmitting driving force efficiently, while being more economical and durable than previous solutions, enhancing the comfort and longevity of tracked vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
the cylindrical surface enables the guide belt to be driven along a semicircular path and prevents the guide belt from winding along a polygonal path, and at the same time allows any shocks transmitted from the teeth to the cross-links to be absorbed
Implementation Method 2
The ring placed in contact with the guide belt is not able to transmit the driving force to the guide belt because the ring in contact with the guide belt can rotate in an idle manner with respect to the rim of the driving wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A driving system for a tracked vehicle, in particular a tracked vehicle used for the preparation of ski slopes, features a driving wheel rotatable about a first axis of rotation; an idle wheel rotatable about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation; and a track looped around the driving wheel and the idle wheel, and comprising a plurality of strips made of elastomeric material, and a plurality of metal grousers, fixed to the strips; wherein at least one strip has at least one continuous toothed strip, which extends along the inner face of the strip and is configured to engage with the driving wheel.