Removable Track Shoes for Terrain Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track systems for rubber tire equipment often compromise between traction on rough terrain and protection of delicate surfaces, as they either lack maneuverability on rough terrain or cause damage to more sensitive areas like landscaped lawns and paved streets.
Innovation Solution
A track system with removable shoes attached to track members that can be easily swapped out, providing enhanced traction features such as contoured surfaces and materials like rubber or metal, allowing for improved performance on both rough and delicate surfaces without permanent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track systems include contoured contact surfaces with cleats or treads for rough terrain, then traction on rough terrain is improved, but damage to delicate surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system divides the contact surface into multiple segments: rigid cleats for rough terrain and replaceable shoes with contoured surfaces for delicate surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to adapt its contact characteristics to different terrain types, providing aggressive traction when needed and protecting delicate surfaces when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system incorporates dynamically replaceable shoes that can be swapped between different terrain conditions. The shoes feature contoured contact surfaces that can be attached or removed based on whether the equipment is operating on rough terrain requiring aggressive cleats or on delicate surfaces requiring protection, making the system adaptable rather than static.
2Ease of operation
If track systems use aggressive cleats or treads for rough terrain, then maneuverability on rough terrain is improved, but ground damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system applies different local qualities to different operational contexts through replaceable shoes. The shoes provide localized contoured contact surfaces that can be configured with aggressive features for rough terrain maneuverability or smoother surfaces for delicate ground protection, allowing the same track system to exhibit different local characteristics as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the contact surface by replacing shoes. The contoured surfaces of the shoes alter the contact pressure distribution, surface area, and material properties at the ground interface, enabling the system to transition between high-traction/aggressive modes and low-damage/protective modes based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If track systems are designed for rough terrain with fixed aggressive features, then traction is improved, but adaptability to different surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system achieves universality through replaceable shoes that can be swapped to match different operational requirements. The same track base structure supports multiple shoe configurations, allowing the system to function effectively on both rough terrain requiring aggressive cleats and delicate surfaces requiring protection, making it a multi-functional solution rather than terrain-specific equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-configuration track to a dynamic system where shoes can be added, removed, or replaced during operation. This dynamic capability allows the track system to adapt its traction characteristics and ground interaction properties to match varying terrain conditions, enhancing versatility without sacrificing performance on any single terrain type.
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 offers improved traction and maneuverability on rough terrain while minimizing damage to sensitive surfaces, with the ability to replace worn or damaged shoes without disassembling the track, ensuring cost-effective and versatile operation.
Implementation Method 1
The removable shoe includes a contact surface made of rubber, metal, or another suitable material that contacts the ground as the vehicle moves along the ground
Implementation Method 2
The track members also include sidewalls extending inward toward the tires and surrounding a portion of the tires to maintain the track in position on the tires
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for use with multiple in-line wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The track includes a plurality of track members linked together forming a loop encircling the wheels. The track members each include a base, sidewalls, and a removable shoe. The shoe can be bolted to the base and can be removed from the base. The shoe can have a rubber pad, a grouser, or another tread.