Vehicle Track Angle Control for Terrain-Adaptive Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track systems for vehicles, such as agricultural and construction vehicles, face challenges in efficiently controlling traction and movement on uneven or slippery surfaces due to complex and time-consuming adjustment processes of anti-rotation devices, leading to inadequate tuning and control.
Innovation Solution
A control system for track systems that includes an actuator and a processing entity to manage the pivoting movement and angle of attack of the track systems relative to the vehicle's frame, based on environmental conditions, vehicle state, and user preferences, using sensors to gather data for automatic or user-controlled adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of anti-rotation device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect terrain conditions and automatically adjusts the anti-rotation device parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables the anti-rotation device to self-adjust based on real-time terrain feedback from sensors, allowing the system to automatically optimize its own performance without external manual operation
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of anti-rotation device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but tuning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor terrain conditions and vehicle performance, and the control system automatically adjusts anti-rotation device parameters to achieve optimal tuning precision based on real-time data
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tuning is replaced with automated electronic control that can achieve precise parameter adjustments beyond what manual mechanical adjustment can accomplish, improving tuning precision through computer-controlled mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If automated control system is implemented, then ease of operation and tuning precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including terrain detection, parameter analysis, automatic adjustment, and user interface management, consolidating these capabilities into an integrated system that improves ease of operation despite the inherent complexity
4Productivity
If automated control system is implemented, then productivity and tuning quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of track system parameters during vehicle operation, maintaining optimal performance without interrupting work activities, thereby improving productivity despite increased system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for traction of a vehicle is controllable, including while the vehicle is in motion, notably to control how the track system is positioned and moves relative to at least part of a frame of the vehicle other than for steering the vehicle, based on one or more factors, including: an environment of the track, position and orientation of the track system relative to the frame of the vehicle, speed of the track system, speed of the vehicle, user's preferences and other suitable factors.