Dual-Track Vehicle Assembly for Off-Road Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle track systems and assemblies struggle to provide adequate traction and floatation in extreme off-road conditions, such as deep snow, and are often heavy and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle track assembly with a dual-track arrangement, featuring a hub assembly with rotating drivers and a frame with multiple rail connections, which maximizes ground contact through multiple paddles and improves load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single-track system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the traction and floatation capabilities are insufficient in extreme off-road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into two separate tracks (first track and second track) instead of using a single track. Each track is independently driven by its own driver, allowing them to operate separately to navigate different terrain conditions, thereby improving overall traction and reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional track arrangement to a dual-dimensional configuration with tracks positioned at different locations (inboard and outboard rails). This spatial arrangement allows the vehicle to distribute weight and traction forces across multiple contact points with the ground, enhancing floatation and traction capabilities
2Reliability
If heavy track systems are used to improve traction, then the traction capability is improved, but the vehicle weight increases reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the distribution parameters of the track assembly by using multiple paddles on each track that can be independently positioned or adjusted. This allows optimization of ground contact area and weight distribution without necessarily increasing the total weight of the track assembly, thereby improving floatation capability while controlling overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly utilizes composite construction with multiple components (drivers, tracks, paddles, rails, hub assembly) that can be made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. This allows the system to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio, providing necessary traction and floatation capabilities without excessive weight
3Reliability
If multiple paddles are used to maximize ground contact, then the traction is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is segmented into multiple discrete paddles that can be manufactured separately and then assembled onto the tracks. This segmentation allows each paddle to be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, and the modular nature simplifies assembly and maintenance while maximizing ground contact area through the multiple contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The paddles are designed as universal components that can be used on both the first track and second track, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes. The same paddle design serves multiple functions across different tracks, reducing the variety of unique parts that need to be manufactured and thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle track system and assembly for outfitting vehicles for mobility in off-road conditions. Snow, mud, muck, soil, sand, ice, and other fickle conditions are more readily traversed. In an example, a hub assembly, a pair of drivers, a frame, a pair of rails, and a pair of tracks are all part of the vehicle track system and assembly. The drivers are incited to rotate by the hub assembly. The frame has multiple sets of frame members that are connected to the rails. And the tracks are furnished with numerous paddles and are driven to move via the drivers.