Spike Device for Snow Groomer Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spike devices for tracked vehicles, particularly snow groomers, are prone to breakage or damage when transitioning from icy surfaces to road surfaces, requiring complete replacement and involving structural weaknesses and operational challenges in removal.

Innovation Solution

A spike device with a selectively releasable spike supported by a cylindrical body, allowing for quick replacement without removing the entire support from the transverse bar, utilizing a threaded coupling and irreversible welding of the support to the bar, and an optional two-piece spike design with a detachable sleeve for easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spike is made irreversibly integral with the support (welded or permanently fixed), then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates as the entire spike device must be replaced upon spike damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidspike replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the spike device into separable components: the support (with cylindrical body) and the spike (with threaded portion). The spike can be independently removed and replaced by unscrewing it from the support, while the support remains attached to the transverse bar. This segmentation allows the spike to be replaced without replacing the entire support structure, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the support is coupled to the transverse bar with screws or bolts (releasable coupling), then the ease of repair is improved, but structural weaknesses are introduced and the bar is structurally weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport replacement easeVSAvoidbar structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support is pre-attached to the transverse bar through irreversible welding or permanent fixing before operation. This preliminary action ensures the support becomes an integral, structurally strong part of the bar, eliminating the need for releasable couplings that would weaken the bar. The design anticipates that the support will remain permanently fixed, while only the spike needs replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the entire spike device (support and spike) is replaced upon spike damage, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to complete replacement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spike device is segmented into the support (permanently attached to bar) and the spike (removable via threaded coupling). When the spike becomes damaged, only the spike portion needs to be unscrewed and replaced, while the support remains in place. This segmentation dramatically reduces replacement time compared to replacing the entire spike device, while still maintaining full functionality and reliability of the assembled unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If lateral holes are made in the bar for supporting the spike, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the bar is structurally weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport installation easeVSAvoidbar structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support is permanently welded or fixed to the transverse bar during manufacturing as a preliminary action, creating a strong integral structure. This eliminates the need for lateral holes in the bar for support attachment, as the support becomes part of the bar itself. The manufacturing process is simplified by using standard welding procedures rather than requiring precise hole alignment and fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates rapid and simplified replacement of damaged spikes, reducing downtime and structural vulnerabilities, while maintaining effective ground penetration on various surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded coupling between said spike and said cylindrical body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

irreversible welding of the support to the bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP4072928B1Spike device for tracked vehicles, in particular for snow groomer vehicles, and tracked vehicle comprising a plurality of such devices

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 PRINOTH SPA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~11

AI summary

A spike device for a tracked vehicle, in particular a snow groomer vehicle, provided with at least one track having a longitudinal extent and comprising at least a plurality of transverse bars configured for acting against the ground during the movement of the tracked vehicle; the spike device comprising: a support configured for being coupled to one of the transverse bars; a spike supported by the support and configured for acting against the ground during the movement of the tracked vehicle; wherein the spike is supported by the support in a selectively releasable manner so that in case of breakage or damage the spike can be replaced without removing the support from the transverse bar.