Multi-Pivot Track Assembly for Even Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles experience issues with uneven load distribution across the ground-contacting segment of the endless track, leading to soil compaction and premature wear of components due to the inability of structural components to conform to the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a multi-pivot assembly and actuators that allow the frame assembly to pivot about roll, pitch, and yaw axes, enabling dynamic adjustment of camber and toe-in/toe-out angles, along with idler wheel positioning, to evenly distribute load and improve ground conformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional track systems use rigid structural components, then the track system maintains structural strength, but the endless track cannot conform to the ground surface leading to uneven load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a multi-pivot assembly that allows the frame assembly to dynamically adjust its configuration. The frame assembly can pivot about a roll pivot axis and a pitch pivot axis, enabling the structural components to adapt their position and orientation to conform to uneven ground surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid pivot connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frame assembly into multiple separable components connected by pivots. The frame assembly includes a first frame member and a second frame member connected by the multi-pivot assembly, allowing each segment to independently adjust its position to achieve ground conformity while maintaining overall structural strength.
2Device complexity
If the endless track has uneven load distribution, then the track system is simpler in structure, but soil compaction occurs at high pressure spots
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-pivot assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the frame assembly to distribute load evenly across the ground-contacting segment of the endless track. By allowing the frame to pivot about roll and pitch axes, the system adapts to ground contours to eliminate high pressure spots that cause soil compaction.
3Device complexity
If the endless track has uneven load distribution, then the track system is simpler, but premature wear occurs of track components
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic multi-pivot assembly allows the frame assembly to continuously adjust its configuration to maintain even load distribution across all track components. This prevents any single component from bearing excessive stress, thereby preventing premature wear and extending the operational lifespan of the track system.
4Strength
If the frame assembly is rigidly connected to the chassis, then the attachment is more secure, but the track system cannot adjust to uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid connection with a dynamic multi-pivot assembly that provides both secure attachment and adaptive movement. The frame assembly is connected to the chassis through pivots that allow rotation about roll and pitch axes, securing the attachment while enabling the track system to adjust to uneven terrain contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment connection is segmented into multiple pivot joints rather than a single rigid connection. This segmentation allows each joint to independently accommodate movement while maintaining overall attachment security, enabling the frame assembly to adapt to terrain variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a multi-pivot assembly having a first pivot extending longitudinally and defining a roll pivot axis, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis. 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 roll pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly, a trailing idler wheel assembly, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.