Off-Road Track Assembly Load Distribution via Roller Wheel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles equipped with elastomeric endless tracks face issues of high wear and limited load-carrying capacity due to uneven loading distribution, which can lead to internal damage and excessive ground pressure.
Innovation Solution
The track assembly design includes a set of wheels with a drive wheel and multiple roller wheels, featuring an elastomeric endless track with inwardly projecting drive/guide lugs and outwardly projecting traction lugs, where the roller wheels roll on top of the drive/guide lugs to distribute loading over a wider area, increasing the load-bearing width to at least 70% of the track's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If roller wheels roll on limited rolling paths between guide/drive lugs, then the track structure is simplified, but loading is concentrated on limited areas causing high wear and internal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The track inner side is segmented into multiple rolling paths, with each roller wheel assigned to a specific path. This segmentation distributes the vehicle load across multiple discrete contact zones rather than concentrating it on limited areas, thereby reducing wear and preventing internal damage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the track inner side are given different functions: guide/drive lugs provide guidance and propulsion, while dedicated rolling paths provide load-bearing surfaces. This local differentiation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally, improving reliability without complicating the overall structure
2Area of stationary object
If loading is concentrated on limited areas of the track, then the track width can be reduced, but ground pressure becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The load distribution is extended from a one-dimensional line contact to a two-dimensional area contact by distributing loads across multiple rolling paths arranged in parallel across the track width. This dimensional expansion increases the effective load-bearing area, allowing reduced track width while maintaining acceptable ground pressure
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
This design enhances load distribution, reduces wear, prevents internal damage, and allows for a higher load-carrying capacity while maintaining acceptable ground pressure, thereby improving the performance and durability of off-road vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels
Implementation Method 2
a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, the track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track. The set of wheels may comprise a first plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side and a second plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side such that the drive/guide lugs are located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path, as well as a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs.