Elastomer-Damped Idler Wheel Rocker Suspension for Low-Profile Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies for vehicles face challenges in maintaining a low-profile design while providing adequate load capacity and ride comfort, as they often require high pivot rocker arms that increase the overall height and limit axle movement.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with idler/road wheel suspension that uses coplanar pivot members and elastomer cushions between rocker plates to resist pivoting movements, allowing for a reduced height profile and improved load distribution through multiple laterally separated idler/road wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high pivot rocker arms are used to provide adequate load capacity and axle movement, then load capacity and ride comfort are improved, but the overall height of the track assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pivot axis from a vertical orientation (above the wheel plane) to a horizontal orientation (in the same plane as the wheel axle). This dimensional change allows the rocker arm to pivot horizontally rather than vertically, reducing the vertical profile while maintaining the mechanical advantage needed for load capacity and terrain accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer bedding thickness is increased to permit greater axle movement for track flexion, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but the concentric relationship and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivot function from the elastomer-bedded axle bearing and relocates it to a separate rocker arm assembly with a dedicated pivot axis. This separation allows the elastomer to maintain its concentric relationship for stable support while the rocker arm provides the additional movement range for terrain adaptation through horizontal pivoting.
3Strength
If multiple laterally separated idler/road wheels are used to distribute load, then load capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rocker arm assembly a multi-functional component that simultaneously supports multiple laterally separated idler/road wheels while providing the pivot mechanism for terrain accommodation. This universal design allows one rocker arm structure to handle both the load distribution function and the suspension function, reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple wheels.
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
The solution provides a smoother ride and enhanced load capacity by reducing the vertical profile and maintaining conformal track contact with terrain, while distributing weight over a larger footprint.
Implementation Method 1
each rocker assembly includes an elastomer cushion laminated between wear plates and coupled to the moveable rocker plate such that up/down movement of the idler/road wheels and responsive pivoting movement of the rocker plate is opposed by the compression/expansion of the elastomer cushions
Implementation Method 2
idler wheel vibration dampening rocker suspension supports
Data Source
AI summary
An endless track assembly that mounts to a vehicle drive linkage. The track assembly includes a belted track, drive sprocket, framework and sets of ramp/road and idler/road wheels that support interior track surfaces. Idler axles are secured fore and aft of co-planar pivot members at rocker assemblies laterally interleaved between suspended idler/road wheels laterally spanning the framework. Each rocker assembly supports an elastomer cushion on a rocker plate that pivots in a housing between opposed wear plates to compress and expand and resist pivoting rocker plate movements.