Split Traction Cleat Assembly for Slick Vehicle Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tracks experience wear and reduced traction, particularly on unpaved slick surfaces, which can compromise vehicle control.

Innovation Solution

A set of cleats is coupled to the vehicle track, comprising a first and second portion with retainer ridges and grabber ridges, secured by a threaded fastener, to enhance traction and reduce wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If vehicle tracks are used on unpaved surfaces, then vehicle mobility is enabled, but traction is reduced on slick surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidslick surface conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding cleats with grabber ridges to specific locations on the track surface. The cleats feature protruding grabber ridges that locally increase friction and mechanical interlocking with the ground, while the rest of the track maintains its original design for general mobility and terrain negotiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The track surface is segmented into multiple cleats distributed along the track. Each cleat acts as an independent traction element with grabber ridges, allowing the track to maintain mobility while providing localized enhanced grip points that collectively improve overall traction on slick surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If vehicle tracks operate on unpaved surfaces, then vehicle functionality is maintained, but track wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle controlVSAvoidtrack service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleats are designed as replaceable components that can be detached and reattached to the track. When the grabber ridges on the cleats become worn, the entire cleat assembly can be removed and replaced rather than replacing the entire track, significantly reducing maintenance costs and extending track service life while maintaining vehicle control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If cleats are added to the track, then traction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidtrack structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleats are designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities, allowing them to be easily installed and removed based on operating conditions. The cleats can be attached to the track when enhanced traction is needed and removed when not required, making the system adaptable rather than permanently complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleat design merges multiple functions into a single component: the body provides structural support, the grabber ridges provide traction enhancement, and the attachment mechanism enables easy installation and removal. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12576930B2Traction cleat for vehicle tracks

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 MICHAEL EDGAR

AI summary

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system including a vehicle, a track, and a set of cleats. The track is coupleable to the vehicle and the set of cleats is coupleable to the track. Each cleat includes a first portion and a second portion. The cleat can be coupled to the track via coupling the first portion to the second portion.