Pivoting Support Wheel Structure for Uneven Track Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems experience premature wear and uneven load distribution due to drive lugs contacting wheels on laterally uneven surfaces, leading to detracking and increased wear of the endless track.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a pivoting mechanism that allows support wheels to pivot about a stationary pivot, increasing their range of motion without interfering with drive lugs, thereby improving load distribution and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional track systems are used on laterally uneven surfaces, then the track system can provide traction and support, but drive lugs contact the wheels causing premature wear and detracking
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheel assembly is made dynamically movable relative to the frame through a pivoting mechanism. The support wheel can pivot about a pivot point to adjust its position laterally, allowing it to move out of the way of drive lugs on uneven terrain while maintaining track stability. This dynamic adjustment prevents contact between support wheels and drive lugs, eliminating the source of premature wear and detracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support wheels are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but they cannot accommodate ground irregularities and cause uneven load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The support wheel assembly incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the frame. The support wheel pivots about a pivot point, enabling it to adapt to lateral movements and ground irregularities. This dynamic capability improves the track system's ability to conform to uneven terrain while distributing loads more evenly across the track, without requiring complex active control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support wheel range of motion is limited, then the structure is constrained and simpler, but it cannot adequately respond to laterally uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism provides the support wheel assembly with an extended range of motion, allowing the support wheel to pivot through a sufficient angle to accommodate laterally uneven surfaces. The mechanism uses a pivot point positioned to allow adequate lateral movement while maintaining structural integrity. This design achieves the necessary adaptability without requiring overly complex multi-degree-of-freedom mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure having an axle and a multi-linkage assembly including first and second linkages for connecting at least one support wheel assembly to a frame member of a track system is disclosed. The first and second linkages are connectable to the frame member and the axle, and cooperatively define an imaginary pivot, which defines a pivot axis about which the axle can pivot due to the multi-linkage assembly. A support structure having an axle, at least one resilient body, and frame and axle clamping assemblies is also disclosed. The at least one resilient body, connectable to the frame member and the axle by the frame and axle clamping assemblies, defines an imaginary pivot, which defines a pivot axis. The at least one resilient body is deformable such that the axle is pivotable about the pivot axis. Track systems having the support structures and resilient assemblies are also disclosed.