Snowmobile Tunnel Stud Protection via Retractable Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stud protection systems for snowmobile tunnels reduce internal clearance and hinder cooling performance due to protruding structural members and insulating plastic components, which can lead to ice buildup and reduced track compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A tunnel stud protection system featuring retractable protection rails with adjustable fasteners and a design that allows for airflow and heat conduction, eliminating the need for protruding components and enhancing compatibility with various track types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If structural members extend downward from inside the tunnel to support plastic protectors, then protection from studded tracks is improved, but internal clearance inside the tunnel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stud protection device is designed to be removable and installable, allowing the tunnel interior to dynamically change between protected and unprotected states. This enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing protection when needed while maintaining full clearance when studs are not required.
2Reliability
If plastic protectors are attached to structural members inside the tunnel, then protection from studded tracks is improved, but heat conduction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic protective material is extracted from a permanent integrated structure and converted into a removable attachment. This allows the protective function to be separated from the thermal management function, enabling the tunnel to maintain optimal thermal conduction when protection is not required while providing protection when needed.
3Reliability
If plastic protectors are attached to structural members inside the tunnel, then protection from studded tracks is improved, but ice buildup on the tunnel underside is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is designed to be dynamically deployable and removable, allowing the tunnel surface to remain thermally conductive and ice-free during normal operation, and only providing protection when stud contact becomes a risk.
4Reliability
If structural members extend into the tunnel, then protection from studded tracks is improved, but compatibility with various track types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system transitions from a fixed permanent structure to a removable dynamic attachment, allowing the tunnel interior to adapt its configuration based on the specific track type being used, thereby maximizing compatibility across different track designs.
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
The solution provides enhanced protection against studded tracks while maintaining internal clearance and improving cooling efficiency by allowing for heat conduction and airflow, thus preventing ice buildup and accommodating different track configurations.
Implementation Method 1
fluid channels are generally formed into the snowmobile tunnel to circulate the cooling fluid. This enables the cooling fluid to be exposed or pass through the tunnel that is exposed to cool air, as well as snow contacting the underside of the tunnel, thereby cooling the cooling fluid and thus the engine of the snowmobile
Implementation Method 2
snow contacting the underside of the tunnel, thereby cooling the cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile tunnel stop protection system to provide protection to a tunnel from a studded endless track used on a snowmobile. The tunnel includes at least one slot formed into an undersurface of the tunnel. At least one protection rail extends from a first end to a second end and includes a plurality of holes passing through the protection rail. A plurality of fasteners are used to attach the protection rail to the tunnel where each fastener has a first fastener portion that passes through the at least one slot. Each fastener includes the first fastener portion that passes through one of the plurality of holes and a second fastener portion that couples to the corresponding first fastener portion to couple the protection rail to the slot formed in the tunnel.