Snowmobile Skid Frame With Offset Idlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile skid frames do not provide optimal handling characteristics, particularly when navigating slopes, due to limitations in track engagement and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The improved skid frame design features a slide surface with offset front and rear idler wheels, allowing for a major portion of the track to have unsupported lateral portions, and includes reinforcing members and metal clips to enhance flexibility and engagement with the snow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the skid frame uses a conventional design with the track fully supported by the skid surface, then the structure is rigid and stable, but the handling characteristics and maneuverability on slopes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The track support is segmented into two distinct zones: a central supported portion that maintains stability and a lateral unsupported portion that enables flexibility. The skid frame structure is divided to correspond with this segmentation, creating a balanced system that provides both stability and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the track are given different support characteristics. The central portion receives full support from the skid surface for stability, while the lateral portions remain unsupported to provide flexibility and improved handling characteristics when navigating slopes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the skid frame provides full support to the entire track width, then the track remains stable and flat, but the flexibility needed for improved ride quality and slope navigation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The track width is segmented into supported and unsupported zones. The supported central portion maintains structural integrity and stability, while the unsupported lateral portions allow the track to flex and adapt to slope conditions, improving overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The unsupported lateral portions allow the track to dynamically adjust its shape and position in response to slope conditions, enabling the snowmobile to navigate hills and varied terrain more effectively while maintaining stability through the supported central portion.
3Ease of operation
If the skid frame uses a narrow track design, then the handling and maneuverability are improved, but the surface area in contact with the snow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The track contact area is segmented into a central supported zone that maintains snow contact for traction and a lateral unsupported zone that provides maneuverability. This segmentation allows the track to achieve both adequate surface area and improved handling characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A skid frame for a snowmobile is disclosed including a generally planar skid surface extending between front and rear idler wheels. The front and rear idler wheel are offset from one another and define a longitudinal direction. A track encircles the skid frame having the skid surface positioned over a center of the track such that a major longitudinally extending portion of the track that is coextensive with the skid surface has first and second unsupported lateral portions on either side of the skid surface. The first and second unsupported lateral portions extend in the horizontal direction at least 25 percent of a width of the track. A suspension arm member may mount the skid rail and include mount portions for mounting to a tunnel and spanning a distance at least twice the width of the longitudinal beam.