Lattice Crossbar Track Section for Snow and Ice Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track sections fail to provide adequate grip on soft ground and accumulate loose materials like snow, ice, or gravel, which can damage vehicle bogies due to their design, and are heavier due to excess material usage.
Innovation Solution
A lattice-like track section with toothed outer edges and connecting elements that project outward to improve grip and reduce material usage, allowing loose materials to pass through and preventing accumulation, while maintaining structural stability and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional solid crossbar design is used, then the track section provides structural strength, but it accumulates loose materials like snow, ice, and gravel which can damage vehicle bogies
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is designed with a lattice-like structure containing multiple empty spaces between crossbar elements. This porous configuration allows loose materials such as snow, ice, and gravel to pass through rather than accumulate on the crossbar surface, eliminating the harmful effect of material buildup that could damage vehicle bogies while preserving the structural integrity through the distributed lattice framework
2Weight of moving object
If a conventional solid crossbar design is used, then the crossbar provides adequate ground engagement, but it uses excessive material resulting in increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is segmented into multiple discrete crossbar elements arranged in a lattice pattern, connected by connecting elements. This segmentation reduces the total material quantity compared to a solid crossbar while maintaining structural strength through the distributed framework. The segmented design also creates multiple ground contact points that collectively provide adequate grip force on soft ground
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar employs a composite lattice structure combining multiple crossbar elements and connecting elements to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. This composite configuration provides sufficient ground engagement force while minimizing material usage and overall weight compared to conventional solid crossbar designs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lattice-like crossbar with empty spaces is used, then material accumulation is prevented, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice-like crossbar is segmented into standardized crossbar elements and connecting elements that can be systematically arranged to form the complete structure. This modular segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and assembly procedures compared to creating a custom complex lattice, while still achieving the beneficial empty spaces that prevent material accumulation
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 lattice-like design with toothed outer edges and connecting elements enhances grip on soft ground, prevents material accumulation, and reduces the track section's weight and risk of damage, while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The outer edges of the crossbar elements will cut into the ground when the crossbar is pressed against such rather soft ground, which will give excellent grip between the crossbar and the ground
Implementation Method 2
By projecting from the crossbar elements on the outer side of the crossbar, the connecting elements will be in contact with the ground when the crossbar is pressed against the ground. Thus, the connecting elements will also improve the grip between the crossbar and the ground
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A track section (1) adapted to be linked to a plurality of similar track sections to form a track belt for mounting around the outer periphery of vehicle tyres. The track section comprises a crossbar (11) and two lateral support members (12a, 12b). The crossbar is lattice-like and formed by two or more flat, upright and elongated crossbar elements (16) and two or more connecting elements (17). The crossbar elements (16) extend in parallel with each other and empty spaces are provided between them. Each connecting element (17) extends across and is fixed to the crossbar elements (16) in order to act as a spacer between the crossbar elements. Each connecting element (17) projects from the crossbar elements (16) on the outer side (14) of the crossbar (11).