Snowmobile Track Stud Support with Arcuate Web
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobile track studs lack effective support and traction mechanisms, leading to reduced performance and stability on snow-covered terrain.
Innovation Solution
A snowmobile track stud support system featuring a base with bosses and support flanges that define an arcuate web, providing enhanced traction and stability by positioning studs at optimal angles and catching snow or ice, while maintaining consistent stud orientation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If studs are affixed to the flexible track to provide added traction, then traction is improved, but the studs lack effective support and stability mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stud support is segmented into multiple functional components: a base for attachment to the track, multiple bosses (first and second) for securing studs at specific angles, and support flanges extending between the bosses. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the base provides mounting, the bosses position studs optimally, and the flanges prevent base deflection, collectively improving both traction and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stud support structure is designed with pre-configured bosses and flanges that are formed in advance during manufacturing. The bosses are positioned at optimal angles beforehand, and the support flanges are pre-formed to extend between the bosses, providing built-in stability and support mechanisms before the studs are even installed. This preliminary structuring ensures immediate effectiveness when studs are affixed
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base is made to securely support studs, then stud orientation consistency is improved, but base deflection occurs under load
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly thickening the entire base, the support flanges are strategically positioned between the bosses to provide localized reinforcement exactly where needed. The flanges extend from the base between the first and second bosses, creating local structural support that prevents deflection in the critical load-bearing areas while maintaining overall base flexibility and lightness
Solution Approach 2:
The support flanges are formed with a curved or arcuate cross-section, with a peak that projects away from the base. This curved geometry provides structural efficiency - the arch-like shape naturally resists bending forces and distributes loads more effectively than a flat structure, preventing base deflection while maintaining material efficiency
3Strength
If support flanges with peaks are added to prevent base deflection, then base strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support flanges are integrally formed with the base and bosses as a single unified structure, rather than being separate components that require additional assembly. The flanges extend directly from the base between the bosses, merging the support function into the existing structural elements. This integration strengthens the base against deflection while avoiding the complexity of additional parts, fasteners, or assembly steps
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile track stud support includes a base configured to be coupled to a track of a snowmobile. A first boss extends from the base. The first boss includes a distal end having a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. A second boss extends from the base. The second boss includes a distal end with a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. A support flange extends from at least one of the first and second bosses and is disposed between the first and second bosses. The support flange includes a peak that projects away from the base. The distance from the peak to the base is greater than the distance from the distal end of the first boss to the base.