Staggered Rib Traction Device for Snowmobile Track Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobiles face difficulties in being loaded onto trailers or truck beds due to slippery surfaces caused by snow, ice, and cold conditions, leading to spinning and slipping of the tracks, especially on inclined surfaces, which can result in damage to both the track and the deck.
Innovation Solution
A traction device with a monolithic polymeric construction featuring spaced longitudinal and transverse ribs with staggered gripping elements is secured to the trailer or truck bed, designed to engage snowmobile tracks with standard pitches of 2.52, 2.86, and 3.0 inches, providing interlocking traction without slippage and allowing easy walking access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple deck surface is used for the trailer or truck bed, then the construction is simple and cost-effective, but the surface becomes slippery under snow and ice conditions, causing track slippage and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The deck surface is segmented into multiple discrete gripping elements (ribs and transverse members) spaced at specific intervals. These segmented elements create individual engagement points for the track lugs, providing reliable traction while maintaining a simple overall deck construction. The segmentation allows each element to independently engage with track lugs, preventing slippage without requiring a completely complex deck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the deck where they provide localized traction enhancement. The longitudinal ribs and transverse members create zones of increased friction and mechanical engagement precisely where the track lugs make contact. This local quality approach enhances traction reliability at critical contact points while keeping the rest of the deck construction simple and cost-effective.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gripping elements are spaced to engage 2.52 inch pitch tracks, then those tracks gain proper traction, but 2.86 inch and 3.0 inch pitch tracks cannot engage the same elements effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element configuration is designed with multiple sets of longitudinal ribs and transverse members spaced at different intervals to universally accommodate three standard track pitches (2.52 inch, 2.86 inch, and 3.0 inch). Each set of spaced elements can independently engage with lugs of different pitch measurements, making the same deck structure universally compatible with various track types without requiring separate gripping element configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional aspect to the gripping element spacing by creating multiple rows and columns of ribs at different pitch intervals. Instead of a single spacing pattern, the deck incorporates gripping elements arranged in a multi-dimensional grid that provides engagement opportunities at multiple spacing intervals simultaneously, enabling compatibility with different track pitches through spatial arrangement rather than requiring separate single-pitch configurations.
3Reliability
If high gripping elements are used to prevent track slippage, then traction is improved, but the profile becomes too high for easy walking access
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed with just sufficient height to engage track lugs effectively and prevent slippage, rather than being excessively tall. The longitudinal ribs and transverse members extend only far enough from the deck surface to provide the necessary mechanical engagement with the lugs, creating a low profile that maintains traction reliability while allowing easy walking access. This partial action approach provides the minimum necessary gripping height without the excessive profile that would impede accessibility.
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 traction device effectively prevents slippage of snowmobile tracks across various pitches, reducing damage and enhancing loading and unloading efficiency on inclined surfaces by providing consistent grip and structural integrity while maintaining a low profile for user access.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of spaced apart transverse ribs includes a plurality of staggered gripping elements across a length of each transverse rib. Each of the gripping elements comprises a ramped leading edge and a substantially vertical trailing edge that is configured to engage the lugs of the snowmobile track.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction device to engage a track of a tracked vehicle includes spaced apart longitudinal ribs and spaced apart transverse ribs forming a matrix, with at least one longitudinal rib having first gripping elements spaced apart to engage a track of a vehicle having lugs spaced at a first pitch and at least one other longitudinal rib having second gripping elements spaced apart to engage a track of a vehicle having lugs spaced at a second pitch. A number of third gripping elements are arranged across a width of each of the transverse ribs, and the transverse ribs are spaced to engage a track of a vehicle having lugs spaced at a third pitch.