Endless Track Guide Member Lateral Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tracked vehicles experience slippage of endless tracks on uneven terrain due to tilting, leading to loss of lateral position and traction issues.

Innovation Solution

A flexible endless track with circumferential ridges and a guide member positioned within a channel formed by these ridges, which is integrated with a rotatable drive sprocket and track assemblies to maintain track stability and prevent lateral movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the endless track is made flexible to adapt to uneven terrain, then the adaptability is improved, but the lateral stability deteriorates causing slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to uneven terrainVSAvoidlateral stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The endless track is segmented into multiple rigid sections or blocks connected by flexible elements, allowing each section to maintain its shape while the overall track adapts to terrain variations. This segmentation provides both flexibility for terrain adaptation and structural integrity for lateral stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endless track utilizes composite construction combining rigid structural elements with flexible connecting components, creating a hybrid structure that simultaneously achieves terrain adaptability and lateral stability. The composite design allows the track to bend and conform while maintaining its cross-sectional shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the track is constrained laterally to prevent slippage, then the lateral stability is improved, but the friction and resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Guide members or lateral constraint elements are introduced as intermediary components between the track and the vehicle frame. These intermediaries provide lateral guidance and prevent slippage while minimizing direct friction through proper geometry and surface design, reducing energy loss compared to rigid constraint systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10745068B2Endless track and guide member

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CHARLES MACHINE WORKS INC

AI summary

A track assembly is formed from an endless track, an elongate guide member, a drive sprocket, and a plurality of track engaging rollers. The endless track has an inner surface having a plurality of parallel circumferential ridges. Formed between the circumferential ridges is a circumferential channel. The guide member is at least partially positioned and closely received within the circumferential channel. The track engaging rollers are arranged in a pair of parallel rows near an outer side of each circumferential ridge. During track rotation, the guide member remains closely received within the channel, and the rollers contact the outer side of the ridges to resist lateral movement of the track. Positioning of the guide member in the circumferential channel, with the rollers outside the ridges, laterally stabilizes the track thereby reducing the risk of the track slipping off the track assembly.