Modular Track Sections With Rigid Joints For Military Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous band track systems for vehicles are cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to handle, with limited versatility and high logistical challenges in military applications, where damage can lead to vehicle disablement due to the need for entire track replacement.
Innovation Solution
The track system is designed as modular sections with flexible joints and embedded tension elements, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools, using a track pin and robust joint configuration to maintain rigidity and transfer tensile loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the track is formed as a single continuous loop, then the track provides continuous coverage and structural integrity, but it becomes difficult to fit onto a vehicle, bulky, heavy, and hard to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous track loop is divided into multiple individual track sections that can be assembled separately. Each section contains its own tension members and can be independently handled and installed, eliminating the need to remove multiple vehicle components and raise the vehicle for installation while maintaining continuous track coverage when assembled
2Reliability
If the track is formed as a single continuous loop, then the track provides complete coverage, but replacement becomes complex and time-consuming when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The track is segmented into multiple independent sections connected by joints. When damage occurs, only the damaged section needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire continuous loop. The standardized joints with track pins enable quick field replacement without specialized tools, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Damaged track sections can be discarded and replaced with new or refurbished sections. The modular design allows damaged portions to be separated and replaced independently, enabling selective replacement rather than complete track replacement, which recovers serviceable sections and reduces waste
3Reliability
If the track is formed as a single continuous loop, then the track provides complete coverage, but it becomes bulky and heavy, limiting logistical flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy continuous track loop is divided into lighter individual sections that can be separately carried and transported. This segmentation reduces the immediate handling weight during installation and maintenance operations, improves logistical flexibility for storage and transport, while the complete assembled track provides the necessary coverage and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The track system transitions from a static continuous loop to a dynamic modular assembly. Individual sections can be carried, stored, and deployed as needed, providing operational flexibility. The track can be assembled or disassembled based on mission requirements, vehicle changes, or maintenance needs
4Reliability
If the track is formed as a single continuous loop, then the track provides continuous coverage, but the scope for introducing variants for different vehicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized modular track sections with uniform joints and connection mechanisms can be configured in different lengths and arrangements to suit various vehicle types, sizes, and track requirements. This enables the same basic track section design to be adapted across multiple vehicle platforms, significantly increasing versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The track sections are designed with universal connection features and standardized dimensions that allow them to be used on different vehicle types. The same track sections can serve multiple vehicle models and applications, reducing the need for vehicle-specific track designs and enabling interchangeability across the vehicle fleet
Data Source
AI summary
Track sections (10) for forming into tracks for track laying vehicles are linked at one or more joints to form a continuous track. Co-operating formations (34) of respective track section ends in the joint are configured to prevent rotation of the respective track sections about the joint, so that the joint is substantially rigid.