Multi-Pivot Track Assembly for Even Load on Soft Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles, especially agricultural and construction vehicles, face issues with soil compaction and uneven load distribution on soft, slippery, or uneven ground surfaces, leading to premature wear of components and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a multi-pivot attachment assembly, frame assembly, and adjustable idler wheel positions, featuring actuators and sensors for dynamic load distribution and ground contact area adjustment, allowing for better conformation to the ground surface and reduced soil compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used on soft, slippery, or uneven ground surfaces, then the vehicle can move on challenging terrains, but the load distribution across the ground contacting segment becomes uneven, causing high and low pressure spots that lead to soil compaction and premature wear of track components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the idler wheel assemblies adjustable in their longitudinal positions along the track. This allows the track system to dynamically adapt its geometry to conform to uneven ground surfaces, distributing load more evenly across the ground contacting segment. The adjustable idler positions enable the track to maintain better contact with the ground while reducing high pressure spots that cause soil compaction and component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the track system by allowing adjustment of the idler wheel assemblies to different longitudinal positions. This parameter adjustment enables the track to optimize its shape and contact characteristics with the ground surface, improving load distribution and reducing harmful pressure concentrations while maintaining mobility on challenging terrains.
2Strength
If the structural components of the track system are made rigid to maintain stability, then the track system provides structural strength, but the endless track cannot conform evenly to the ground surface like a tire filled with gas does
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the track system into adjustable components, specifically the idler wheel assemblies that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows different parts of the track system to perform specialized functions: rigid structural components provide strength and stability, while the adjustable idler segments enable the track to conform to ground surface variations, achieving both structural integrity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a first pivot extending vertically and defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the yaw pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, a trailing idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.