Active Track Angle Control for Stability on Soft Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles, used in agriculture, construction, and other applications, face challenges with traction and stability on soft, slippery, and uneven ground surfaces, leading to issues like ground compaction and damage to vehicles or reduced work quality.
Innovation Solution
The Angular Control System (ACS) is introduced, which includes a motor mounted to the track system frame, a transmission assembly, and a controller unit that acquires data on rotational movement and angular positions to adjust the track system's angular relationship with the vehicle, thereby enhancing stability and traction without the need for conventional anti-rotation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional anti-rotation devices (rods) are used to prevent track system rotation, then stability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical anti-rotation rod system with an electronic control system comprising sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, steering angle sensor), electronic control unit, and motor actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical connection rods between the vehicle and track system, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining stability control through active electronic intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system incorporates its own anti-rotation control capabilities through integrated sensors and motors mounted on the track system itself. The system autonomously detects rotation through accelerometers and gyroscopes, processes this information through an electronic control unit, and actuates motors to counteract rotation, making the track system self-regulating without requiring external mechanical constraints.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anti-rotation rods are used to maintain track orientation, then track system orientation control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors track system orientation using accelerometers and gyroscopes that detect angular acceleration and rotational velocity. This feedback is processed by the electronic control unit, which compares actual orientation against desired orientation and dynamically adjusts motor actuation to maintain proper track alignment, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while improving orientation control responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual adjustment mechanisms are replaced with automated motor actuators controlled by electronic sensors and control units. The system automatically detects orientation deviations through inertial sensors and executes corrective actions through motor-driven adjustment, transforming a manually-operated mechanical system into an automated electro-mechanical system that improves ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If track systems are used instead of wheels, then traction and stability on soft ground are improved, but ground compaction increases due to concentrated load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic angle control of the track system relative to the vehicle body, allowing the tracks to actively adjust their orientation and contact angle with the ground. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the contact patch distribution and pressure distribution on soft ground surfaces, reducing ground compaction while maintaining vehicle stability through real-time adaptation to terrain conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to track systems, vehicles having track systems, systems for controlling angular relationship between track systems and vehicle having said track systems, and computer-implemented methods for performing angular control of said track systems.