Removable Track Assembly for Wheeled Vehicle Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled wheeled vehicles often become mired or lose traction in unsurfaced off-road conditions, leading to reduced productivity and potential instability, especially when carrying loads, as they struggle to support their weight and maintain traction.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly system that can be easily attached to existing wheel hubs of vehicles, converting them into tracked vehicles by using a carriage with idler wheels, bogey wheels, and a tensioning mechanism, allowing for adjustable track tension and rotation, enabling operation on challenging terrain without modifying the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wheeled vehicle is used on unsurfaced off-road ground, then the vehicle can operate on prepared surfaces, but it becomes mired and loses traction on unsurfaced terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the track assembly removable and convertible, allowing the vehicle to switch between wheeled and tracked configurations. The track tensioning mechanism dynamically adjusts track tightness during operation, and the entire track system can be installed or removed based on terrain conditions, providing adaptability to different ground surfaces while maintaining reliability through appropriate configuration selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the contact parameter with the ground by replacing point contact (wheels) with line contact (tracks). This fundamental parameter change increases the surface area in contact with the ground, distributing the vehicle weight over a larger area and preventing sinking into soft or unsurfaced terrain, thereby improving both traction capability and terrain adaptability
2Reliability
If the vehicle is converted to a tracked vehicle, then traction on unsurfaced ground is improved, but the vehicle requires modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracked vehicle system into a separate, self-contained track assembly that attaches to the existing wheeled vehicle. This modular segmentation allows the track system to be manufactured and tested independently, then installed on the vehicle without redesigning or modifying the vehicle's core structure, thereby improving traction while minimizing modification complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism (including attachment assemblies with flanges, pins, and fastening elements) that mediates between the existing vehicle wheel hubs and the new track system. This intermediary connection allows the track assembly to be securely mounted without permanent vehicle modifications, facilitating easy installation and removal while maintaining vehicle integrity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the track assembly is securely attached to the vehicle, then stability is improved, but access for servicing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the track assembly into distinct, independently serviceable components including the track itself, idler wheels, bogey wheels, tensioning mechanism, and attachment assemblies. This segmentation allows individual components to be accessed, inspected, and serviced separately without requiring complete disassembly of the entire track system, maintaining stable attachment while improving serviceability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assemblies are designed with universal mounting features that interface with standard vehicle wheel hub configurations. The modular design allows the same attachment mechanism to be used for both secure installation and easy removal/service access, providing multi-functionality that satisfies both stability and ease of repair requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled, wheeled vehicle convertible into a multi-track vehicle using one or more track assemblies is disclosed. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame supporting forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels movably connects to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first section and a second section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle by way of a spacer element. A flexible endless track is entrained about the idler wheels, the bogey wheels and the sprocket.