Steerable Track Gear Train Layout for Low Ride Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles, especially agricultural and construction vehicles, face issues such as high ride height, limited suitability for smaller vehicles due to frame clearance limitations, and increased ground compaction, which can inhibit crop growth and require costly modifications.
Innovation Solution
A steerable track system with a frame and gear train design that allows for reduced weight and maintenance, maintaining structural strength while fitting onto smaller vehicles without raising the ride height, and maintaining or closely matching the top ground speed capability of the vehicle, with a gear train and powertrain assembly that includes constant velocity joints and a friction-driven endless track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional track systems are installed on vehicles, then traction and weight distribution are improved, but ride height increases and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the drive sprocket from a horizontal orientation (coaxial with the axle frame) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to the axle frame). This dimensional change allows the track system to achieve proper traction and weight distribution while maintaining a lower ride height, as the drive mechanism is now positioned below the track rather than at the same elevation level.
2Speed
If conventional track systems are installed on smaller vehicles, then ground speed capability is improved, but frame clearance limitations prevent installation without costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the drive sprocket 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical orientation, the patent creates a compact configuration that fits within the limited frame clearance of smaller vehicles. This dimensional reorientation eliminates the need for costly frame modifications while maintaining the ground speed capability, as the track system integrates into the existing vehicle footprint without requiring additional space.
3Speed
If large drive sprockets are used to achieve desired ground speed, then speed capability is improved, but device size increases and is unsuitable for smaller vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the desired ground speed capability without large drive sprockets by reorienting the drive mechanism vertically. This allows for a more compact drive sprocket design that fits within smaller vehicle frames, as the vertical orientation enables better space utilization and eliminates the need for oversized horizontal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the drive sprocket from horizontal to vertical, which fundamentally alters the spatial requirements of the system. This parameter change allows for a reduction in the effective size of the drive mechanism while maintaining ground speed capability, making the system suitable for smaller vehicles with limited frame clearance.
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
Enables the steerable track system to be fitted on smaller vehicles like tractors without increasing ride height, reduces weight while maintaining structural strength, and requires minimal modifications, while maintaining or achieving up to 100% of the original top ground speed capability.
Implementation Method 1
a powertrain assembly that includes constant velocity joints
Implementation Method 2
a friction-driven endless track
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A steerable track system usable with a vehicle that has a chassis, an axle frame extending laterally outwardly from the chassis and having an attachment portion at an end thereof to which the steerable track system is connectable, and a driven shaft extending laterally outwardly from the chassis suitable for driving the steerable track system. The steerable track system has a frame having a cavity defined therein and being operatively connectable to the axle frame so as to be pivotable about a steering axis for steering the track system, and a gear train with components disposed in the cavity. The gear train transmits driving forces from the driven shaft to a driven wheel assembly of a plurality of track- supporting wheel assemblies. An endless track extends around the track- supporting wheel assemblies and is drivable by the driven wheel assembly.