Hooked Cross Chain System for Tracked Vehicle Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow chains are not effectively designed for tracked vehicles as they bunch when attached and lack securement options due to the continuous nature of tracks, which limits traction in snowy or icy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A chain system with hooks on cross chains that can attach to the inner edge of tracks without full access, allowing for quick and secure engagement, and alternative configurations like a single side chain with hooks that can be secured without accessing the inner side of the track, ensuring proper distribution and preventing bunching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ladder style snow chain is placed on the ground and the track moves onto it, then the chain can be attached to the track, but the chain bunches in the longitudinal direction and does not fit properly
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is pre-formed into a loop configuration with cross chains already positioned at predetermined intervals around the track circumference. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the track moves onto the chain, the cross chains are already distributed evenly along the longitudinal direction, preventing bunching and ensuring proper fit without requiring manual adjustment during installation.
2Reliability
If snow chains are used on tracks, then traction in snowy or icy conditions can be improved, but there is limited space to secure the chain on the interior side of the track
Solution Approach 1:
A securing mechanism consisting of hooks attached to the inner edges of the track and corresponding loops on the chain serves as an intermediary system. The hooks engage with the chain loops from the exterior side of the track, allowing the chain to be secured without requiring access to the limited interior space between the track and vehicle. This intermediary securing system bridges the gap between the need for reliable attachment and the constraint of limited access space.
3Weight of moving object
If the large surface area of the outer tread of the track is positioned against the ground, then the weight of the vehicle is distributed better, but it becomes difficult to provide sufficient traction in snowy or icy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The chain system introduces localized high-traction elements (cross chains with closely spaced links) at specific positions around the track circumference, while maintaining the continuous outer tread for overall weight distribution. The cross chains create concentrated contact points with the ground that provide enhanced grip in snowy or icy conditions, while the rest of the track surface continues to distribute the vehicle weight evenly. This local enhancement of traction quality resolves the contradiction between weight distribution and traction sufficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A chain system is provided that is attached to a continuous track of a tracked vehicle. Embodiments of the chain system can include cross chains that extend from a side chain, and a hook is disposed at a free end of each cross chain. To attach the chain system to the track, the hooks are attached to an inner edge of the track on a top surface of the track. Once all of the hooks are attached, the ends of the side chain are attached to each other and the chain is secured to the track to improve the traction of the track and the tracked vehicle.