Pivotable Support Axle for Track System Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems experience premature wear and uneven load distribution when traversing laterally uneven surfaces, leading to increased wear on drive lugs and potential detracking.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a pivotable axle and resilient member that allows the support wheel assembly to conform to ground irregularities, reducing wear and improving load distribution by biasing the axle back to its initial position upon movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional track systems use fixed support structures, then the structure is simple and stable, but the track experiences premature wear and uneven load distribution when traversing laterally uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic pivoting mechanism. The axle is mounted on a pivot assembly that allows it to rotate about a vertical axis, enabling the support wheel assembly to automatically adjust its orientation to follow the contour of laterally uneven surfaces. This dynamic adaptation eliminates premature wear and detracking while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting support structure enables the track system to self-adjust to ground irregularities without external control or complex actuation mechanisms. The pivot assembly allows automatic orientation adjustment of the support wheel assembly to conform to the terrain, eliminating the need for active sensing or control systems while improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the support wheel assembly is fixed to the frame, then the structure is simpler, but load distribution across the track becomes uneven on irregular terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The support axle is mounted to pivot about a vertical axis through the pivot assembly, allowing the axle to automatically rotate and reorient itself in response to lateral ground irregularities. This dynamic pivoting capability ensures that the support wheel assembly maintains proper alignment with the track, distributing loads evenly across the track system even on uneven terrain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems traverse laterally uneven surfaces, then the vehicle can operate on varied terrain, but wheels contact drive lugs causing premature wear and potential detracking
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable axle assembly allows the support wheel to dynamically adjust its orientation to follow the contour of laterally uneven surfaces. This prevents the wheel from contacting drive lugs and causing wear or detracking, while maintaining the vehicle's ability to operate on varied terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed frame and the support wheel assembly. It provides a degree of freedom that allows the support wheel to independently adjust its orientation in response to terrain variations, mediating between the rigid frame and the flexible track system to prevent harmful contacts.
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 solution effectively reduces wear and improves load distribution across the track system, minimizing premature wear and detracking, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the track system on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one axle is movable in at least one degree of freedom upon resilient deformation of the at least one resilient member; and the at least one axle having an initial position in relation to the plate, the at least one resilient member biasing the at least one axle toward the initial position upon movement of the at least one axle away from the initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for connecting at least one support wheel assembly to a frame of a track system for a vehicle comprises at least one plate connecting the support structure to the frame, at least one axle supporting the at least one support wheel assembly, and at least one resilient member having a first surface fixedly connected to the at least one plate and a second surface fixedly connected to the at least one axle. The at least one axle is movable in at least one degree of freedom upon resilient deformation of the at least one resilient member. The at least one axle has an initial position in relation to the plate. The at least one resilient member biases the at least one axle toward the initial position upon movement of the at least one axle away from the initial position.