Segmented Wheel Assembly for Low-Wear Track Belt Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track vehicles face challenges with traction, shock absorption, and maintenance of track belts due to the use of traditional pneumatic tires and grousers, which require constant air pressure management and result in significant friction and wear.
Innovation Solution
A segmented wheel system comprising a central disk surrounded by wheel segments, wheel guides on the inner surface, and grousers on the outer surface, which are designed for minimal friction, shock absorption, and improved traction, with components that are removable and replaceable for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pneumatic tires and grousers are used in track vehicles, then the vehicle can achieve basic mobility and traction, but the track belts experience significant friction and wear requiring constant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is divided into multiple replaceable segments rather than a single monolithic structure. Each segment can be independently removed and replaced, allowing worn components to be quickly swapped without replacing the entire wheel assembly. This segmentation directly reduces maintenance complexity while improving track belt durability through consistent replacement of worn segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel system transitions from a static pneumatic tire to a dynamic segmented wheel where individual segments can be independently positioned, removed, and replaced. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to wear patterns and terrain conditions, reducing overall maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable traction.
2Reliability
If pneumatic tires are used, then the vehicle achieves basic shock absorption, but constant air pressure management is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic tire is completely removed from the system, extracting the problematic air pressure management requirement. Shock absorption functionality is instead achieved through the mechanical design of the segmented wheel structure and its interaction with the track belt, eliminating the need for air pressure monitoring and adjustment while maintaining reliable shock absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic shock absorption system is replaced with a mechanical segmented wheel system. The segments and their interaction with the track belt provide shock absorption through mechanical means rather than pneumatic pressure, eliminating the operational complexity of air pressure management while maintaining reliable shock absorption capability.
3Force
If traditional track belts with grousers are used, then the vehicle achieves traction on various terrains, but the friction between track and ground causes significant wear
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is segmented into multiple replaceable sections that can be independently optimized for different terrain conditions. This segmentation allows the track belt to interact with smaller, more manageable contact surfaces, reducing overall friction and wear while maintaining necessary traction force through the distributed segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables changes in contact parameters by replacing wheel segments with different configurations or materials optimized for specific terrain types. This parameter adjustment capability allows the vehicle to maintain effective traction while minimizing wear by matching the right segment characteristics to the current ground conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A segmented wheel system for a track vehicle including: (a) the track vehicle having a plurality of segmented wheels; (b) a track belt surrounding at least two of the segmented wheels, the track belt having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface nearer to the segmented wheel than the outer surface; (c) at least one wheel guide positioned on the inner surface of the track belt; and at least one grouser positioned on the outer surface of the track belt.