Pivotable Idler Wheel Track Assembly for Towed Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track systems for towed vehicles do not allow idler wheels to pivot about the roll axis, leading to premature wear and potential track blowout when traveling on crowned surfaces, as they fail to conform to the ground surface effectively.
Innovation Solution
A track system with leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies that are pivotable with respect to a primary frame member, utilizing resilient bushing assemblies to allow for conforming to changing terrain, reducing wear and pressure on the endless track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If idler wheels are made fixed relative to the frame, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but the track system cannot conform to crowned surfaces leading to premature wear and track blowout
Solution Approach 1:
The idler wheel assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows the idler wheel to change its angular position relative to the frame. This enables the track system to adapt to crowned surfaces and uneven terrain, resolving the contradiction by transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can conform to varying ground conditions without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The idler wheel assembly is segmented into separable components including the idler wheel, pivot mechanism, and mounting structure. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the wheel for track guidance and the pivot for adaptation - thereby achieving reliability on crowned surfaces while managing overall structural complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If support wheels are made pivotable to conform to ground contours, then traction and ground conformity improve, but the idler wheels remain fixed causing track wear on crowned surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is designed as a universal solution that provides ground conformity functionality to both the support wheels and idler wheels. By making the idler wheel assembly pivotable in addition to the support wheels, the system achieves uniform adaptability across all track components, ensuring that both traction and track wear resistance are improved simultaneously on varied terrain including crowned surfaces
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 track system effectively conforms to inclined and crowned surfaces, reducing wear and pressure on the endless track, thereby extending its lifespan and preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient bushing assembly located within the recess and engaging the pivot. The at least one bushing assembly is resiliently deformable in a circumferential direction to permit pivoting of the pivot with respect to the recess
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for use with a towed vehicle has an attachment assembly and a multi-member frame assembly. The multi-member frame assembly includes a primary frame member connected to the attachment assembly, at least one wheel-bearing frame member pivotably connected to the primary frame member about a pivot located within a recess, and at least one resilient bushing assembly located within the recess and engaging the pivot. The at least one bushing assembly is resiliently deformable in a circumferential direction to permit pivoting of the pivot with respect to the recess, and is fixedly connected within the recess to resiliently bias the pivot towards a rest position with respect to the recess. The track system further includes leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, and an endless track.