Modular Traction Cleat with Debris-Expelling Open Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked heavy equipment experiences reduced traction on steep slopes and icy/snowy conditions, leading to skidding and safety issues, with existing solutions like studded tracks causing damage and being limited to winter use, and removable cleats being difficult to install and prone to failure due to debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A traction cleat with an elongated support member and mounting flanges, featuring a central clean-out region and oscillating design to prevent debris accumulation, constructed from cold rolled steel for durability, allowing easy installation and improved grip through adjustable traction members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If studded tracks are inserted into the track surface to improve gripping characteristics, then traction on icy surfaces is improved, but the track surface is damaged and the vehicle is restricted to winter use
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat is divided into modular components including multiple traction members (studs) that can be individually replaced or adjusted. This segmentation allows the traction members to be detached and replaced without damaging the track surface, resolving the contradiction between improving icy surface traction and preventing track damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat design allows for dynamic adjustment and removal of traction members based on seasonal needs. The mounting mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment, allowing the vehicle to use the cleat for winter traction improvement while being able to remove it for summer use, thus preventing track damage and eliminating seasonal restrictions.
2Reliability
If removable cleats are attached to the track to provide supplemental gripping characteristics, then traction is improved, but the cleats accumulate snow, ice and debris which reduces gripping characteristics and can lead to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat design incorporates features that utilize the natural oscillating motion of the tracked vehicle during operation. This mechanical vibration and motion help prevent snow, ice, and debris from accumulating on the traction members, maintaining gripping characteristics and preventing failure due to debris buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat structure is designed to periodically shed accumulated debris through its interaction with the track and ground. The periodic motion of the vehicle causes debris to be thrown off the cleat surface at regular intervals, preventing harmful accumulation that would reduce gripping characteristics.
3Reliability
If fixed bar cleats are used to provide supplemental gripping, then traction is improved, but the devices are difficult to install and remove and are known to fail during use due to severe stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The cleat is segmented into multiple traction members mounted on a support structure, allowing each component to be independently attached and adjusted. This modular design simplifies installation and removal compared to fixed bar cleats, while the distributed structure reduces stress concentration that leads to failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates dynamic features that allow for quick attachment and detachment without requiring complex tools or procedures. The design accommodates the severe stresses during use while maintaining ease of operation for installation and removal.
4Strength
If cleats are designed with solid construction to withstand severe stresses, then durability is improved, but debris accumulation is increased and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single solid construction, the cleat is divided into multiple discrete traction members mounted on a support structure. This segmented approach maintains the strength needed to withstand severe stresses while creating gaps and channels that prevent debris accumulation, resolving the contradiction between durability and debris prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction cleat for the track of a tracked vehicle, the cleat has an elongated support member having first and second ends and a central portion extending between the first and second ends, the support member ends are larger in cross-section than the central portion to provide an open region extending between the support member and a track to which it will be attached, a mounting flange extends from each of the support member ends, one of which includes mounting hardware to removably secure the traction cleat to a track, and a series of individual traction members, the traction members are disposed along the length of the support member other than at the central portion thereof so that when the cleat is secured to a track it will expel debris including ice or snow that might otherwise accumulate between the cleat and the track.