Pivoting Track Frame Assembly for Even Ground Load Distribution
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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 due to the structural components not allowing the endless track to conform to the ground surface, leading to high pressure spots and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a multi-pivot assembly and a frame assembly connected to the vehicle's chassis, featuring adjustable idler wheels and a tensioner, controlled by a track system controller with sensors and actuators to optimize the load distribution and conform to the ground surface, reducing soil compaction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used, then vehicles can operate on soft and uneven ground surfaces, but the load is unevenly distributed across the ground contacting segment of the endless track, causing high pressure spots and soil compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The track system incorporates a suspension assembly with pivoting frame members that allow the track to dynamically adapt to ground contours. The frame members can pivot independently to maintain track contact with uneven surfaces while distributing load more evenly, transforming the rigid track structure into a dynamic system that conforms to terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system divides the rigid track structure into segmented frame members connected by pivots. This segmentation allows each frame member to independently adjust to ground irregularities, preventing concentrated loads and enabling the track to conform to uneven surfaces without causing soil compaction.
2Strength
If the track system uses rigid structural components, then the track maintains structural integrity, but it cannot conform to the ground surface like a tire filled with gas
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly introduces dynamic movement capabilities to the rigid track structure through pivoting frame members and suspension elements. This allows the track to flex and conform to ground contours while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered pivot connections and frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system employs a flexible suspension mechanism that allows the rigid frame members to relative move and adapt to ground surface variations. The combination of rigid frames with flexible pivot connections creates a structure that maintains strength while achieving conformability similar to pneumatic tires.
3Device complexity
If the endless track has uneven load distribution, then the track system is simpler in structure, but it leads to premature wear of track components
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly with pivoting frame members dynamically adjusts track positioning to achieve even load distribution across the ground contacting segment. This dynamic adjustment mechanism, while adding some structural complexity, significantly extends component lifespan by preventing premature wear through balanced load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting frame members provide passive feedback-based load distribution, where the mechanical pivot connections automatically adjust frame member positions in response to ground irregularities and load variations, ensuring even weight distribution without requiring active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A track system includes an attachment assembly including at least one of a first pivot defining a roll pivot axis, a second pivot defining a pitch pivot axis, and a third pivot defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected to the attachment assembly. The track system further includes at least one actuator for pivoting the frame assembly about at least one of the roll and yaw pivot axes, and at least one monitoring for determining, at least indirectly, at least one of a state of the track system and a ground surface condition. The at least one monitoring sensor is communicating with a track system controller to control the operation of the at least one actuator based on the at least one of the state of the track system and the ground surface condition.