Snowmobile Tunnel Guard Intercepts Drive Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of snowmobiles can lead to damage when the drive track's external lugs or studs come into contact with the tunnel, potentially causing loss of motor fluid and subsequent engine overheating, and moving the drive track and tunnel further apart compromises stability.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel guard is connected to the interior of the tunnel, positioned to intercept the drive track before it can contact the tunnel's bottom, thereby protecting the tunnel from damage and ensuring the motor fluid passage remains intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the drive track and tunnel are positioned closer together, then the snowmobile's center of gravity is lower improving stability, but the drive track may contact and damage the tunnel causing loss of motor fluid
Solution Approach 1:
A tunnel guard is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive track and the tunnel. The guard includes a first arm and second arm extending into the tunnel interior, with a cross-member connecting them, positioned to intercept the drive track before it can contact the tunnel bottom or heat exchanger assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel guard is positioned in advance within the tunnel interior to preemptively block the drive track's path. The arms and cross-member are configured to make contact with the drive track first, preventing any subsequent contact between the track and vulnerable tunnel components.
2Reliability
If the drive track and tunnel are moved further apart to prevent contact, then tunnel damage is avoided, but the snowmobile's center of gravity rises affecting stability
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel guard serves as a protective intermediary that allows the drive track and tunnel to maintain their optimal close positioning while preventing direct contact. The guard structure absorbs the impact and protective function, enabling the system to benefit from both close spacing and protection.
3Reliability
If the tunnel guard is positioned to shield the heat exchanger assembly, then motor fluid leakage is prevented, but the guard structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel guard applies local protection specifically where needed - the arms and cross-member are positioned to shield the heat exchanger assembly and motor fluid passages. The structure provides targeted protection rather than uniform coverage, reducing unnecessary complexity while ensuring critical areas are protected.
Data Source
AI summary
A tunnel guard for a tunnel of a snowmobile has first and second arms. Each arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portions of the first and second arms have first and second connection elements respectively for connecting the first end portions of the arms to an interior of the tunnel. At least one member extends from at least one of the arms and is connected to the at least one of the arms. The at least one member has a third connection element for connecting the at least one member to the interior of the tunnel. The third connection element is disposed at a position that is one of: laterally between the first and second arms, and laterally outward of the first and second arms. A snowmobile having a tunnel guard and a method for connecting a tunnel guard are also disclosed.