Elastomeric Track Traction Device Bracket Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric tracks face reduced traction on inclined surfaces such as icy, muddy, snowy, or slippery terrains, and existing solutions like metallic tracks are heavy, noisy, and damaging to road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A traction device comprising a first bracket with a tapered surface and a second bracket forming a U-shaped channel to receive the elastomeric track, coupled with a chain and a plate to prevent the chain from entering the track's recesses, enhancing traction without damaging the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If metallic tracks are used to improve traction on soft surfaces, then traction is improved, but weight increases and road surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining elastomeric track material with integrated metal chains or cables. This creates a hybrid structure that provides the traction benefits of metal while maintaining the weight advantages and road-friendly characteristics of elastomeric materials. The metal elements are embedded within or attached to the elastomeric track body.
2Force
If metallic tracks are used to improve traction on soft surfaces, then traction is improved, but road surface damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric-metallc composite track provides metal-level traction while the elastomeric outer surface protects road surfaces from damage. The soft elastomeric material distributes loads and prevents the concentrated stresses that cause road surface damage, while still delivering effective traction on soft terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The track structure implements local quality by having different materials perform different functions: the elastomeric portion contacts and protects road surfaces, while embedded metal chains or cables provide localized traction enhancement only where needed for soft surface operation.
3Weight of moving object
If elastomeric tracks are used to reduce weight and protect road surfaces, then weight is reduced and road damage is prevented, but traction on inclined surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates metal chains, cables, or rods within the elastomeric track structure to create a composite system that maintains the lightweight and road-protective benefits of elastomeric material while adding the high-traction characteristics of metal elements for improved performance on inclined and soft surfaces.
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 traction device improves traction on soft and inclined surfaces without compromising the integrity of the elastomeric track, reducing slippage and enhancing vehicle mobility without the need for drilling or using a pry bar.
Implementation Method 1
The first bracket may include a first portion including a tapered surface configured to compress the elastomeric track material against a second portion of the first bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A traction device for an elastomeric track comprises a first bracket comprising a first portion comprising a tapered surface and a second portion configured to be removably coupled to the first portion to define a U-shaped channel configured to receive at least a portion of an elastomeric track, a first chain coupled to the first bracket at a first end of the first chain, a second bracket coupled to a second end of first chain opposite the first bracket, and a plate coupled to the first chain between the first bracket and the second bracket, the plate configured to substantially prevent the first chain from entering the recesses of the elastomeric track. Related traction devices and methods of attaching a traction device to an elastomeric track are also disclosed.