Snowmobile Stud Backer Integrating Washer and Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile stud systems face a tradeoff between weight, performance, and durability, with a need for a lightweight yet strong and durable solution that enhances traction without excessive mass.
Innovation Solution
A snowmobile stud assembly comprising a stud structure with a threaded pin and a stud backer featuring a narrowing body with internal threads and channels for tool keying, allowing for secure attachment without a separate washer and nut, thereby reducing weight while maintaining strength and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional stud system with separate washer and nut is used, then the structural integrity and durability are improved, but the overall weight of the stud assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backer integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the washer (preventing stud penetration) and the nut (securing the stud), eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and total weight while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the traditional multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The backer is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it acts as a stabilizer to prevent stud ripping through the track, provides threading for securing the stud, and serves as the fastening mechanism itself. This universal design consolidates what were previously separate functions into one lightweight component.
2Reliability
If the stud backer body is made solid for strength, then the durability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backer body incorporates channels that create a porous or hollow internal structure. These channels reduce the amount of material required, thereby decreasing weight, while the strategic placement and configuration of these channels maintain the structural strength and durability needed for reliable stud retention in snowmobile track applications.
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight backer design is used, then the weight is reduced, but the ease of manufacture may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The backer design segments the solid body into sections separated by channels. While this creates a lighter weight component, the segmentation is achieved through standard manufacturing techniques such as casting or machining channels into the backer body, making the manufacturing process manageable and suitable for production while achieving the weight reduction goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile stud backer includes a body extending from a backer base, the body narrowing from the base to a narrow end, the body further including an axial opening extending from the backer base to the narrow end, the axial opening including internal threads, the body including a plurality of channels providing a surface within which a tool is configured to be keyed for the purpose of tightening the backer to the stud structure. Further disclosed is a snowmobile stud assembly, a snowmobile track, and a snowmobile, as well as tools for installing the snowmobile stud backer to the snowmobile track.