Snowmobile Track Side Lugs for Off-Axis Snow Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile tracks do not provide sufficient traction when operated off-axis, such as during side-hilling or carving maneuvers, leading to potential stalling or getting stuck in snow.
Innovation Solution
The endless track features inner and outer lugs, recesses, and angled surfaces designed to enhance traction when the snowmobile is tilted on its side, with inner treads and outer lugs digging into the snow for improved grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the snowmobile is operated off-axis during side-hilling or carving maneuvers, then the snowmobile can access various terrains and perform maneuvers, but the existing tracks do not provide sufficient traction causing the snowmobile to stall or get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The track incorporates side lugs on the inner carcass that are specifically positioned and oriented to engage with the ground when the track is tilted at an angle. These side lugs provide localized traction points on the inner surface of the track, complementing the outer lugs and creating multiple contact points with the ground during off-axis operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a third dimension of traction by utilizing the inner surface of the track in addition to the outer surface. When the track tilts during off-axis maneuvers, the inner side lugs engage with the ground, effectively using the inner carcass as an additional ground-engaging surface. This dimensional change allows the track to maintain traction from both the inner and outer surfaces simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the track design is modified to include side lugs and inner treads for off-axis traction, then traction when tilted on side is improved, but the track structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The side lugs are integrated directly into the inner carcass of the track as a unified structure, rather than being separate attachable components. The inner treads are molded as part of the inner carcass, creating a single-piece construction that reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while still providing the necessary off-axis traction features.
3Reliability
If outer lugs and inner treads are designed to dig into snow for improved grip, then traction is enhanced, but the resistance to forward motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track design allows the lugs and treads to dynamically adapt their engagement with the ground based on the operating conditions. During normal forward motion, the outer lugs provide standard traction. When the track tilts during off-axis maneuvers, the inner side lugs automatically engage with the ground, providing additional traction points. This dynamic engagement reduces the overall resistance to motion while maintaining enhanced traction when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An endless track for propelling a snowmobile. The endless track includes an inner drive surface and an outer ground-engaging surface opposite to the inner drive surface. A first side surface is opposite to a second side surface. A plurality of first side lugs are adjacent to the first side surface. A plurality of second side lugs are adjacent to the second side surface. The plurality of first side lugs and the plurality of second side lugs provide traction when the snowmobile is operated off-axis and tilted on its side as well as provides traction surfaces on additional planes other than the outer carcass of the endless track when the track is submerged in the snow.