Track Assembly Slide Rails to Reduce Lug Wagging and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track systems for ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles experience reduced traction and vibration due to high pressure on mid-rollers and traction lug wagging on flat horizontal terrains, particularly soft or compacted snow, which affects performance.
Innovation Solution
The track assembly features a frame with angled slide rails, a drive wheel, idler wheel assemblies, and strategically positioned mid-rollers to distribute weight and reduce pressure on traction lugs, enhancing traction and steering on various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mid-rollers are used to support the track on terrain, then the track is kept stable and aligned, but high pressure is exerted on the traction lugs causing lug wagging and reduced traction on flat horizontal terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The track support function is segmented between the mid-rollers (for stability on uneven terrain) and the slide rails (for reducing pressure on flat horizontal terrains). The slide rails are divided into angled front portions and rearward portions that work together with the mid-rollers to distribute loads differently based on terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the track assembly have different functions optimized for specific conditions: the angled front portions of the slide rails reduce pressure on traction lugs during steering, while the rearward portions support the track on terrain. The mid-rollers provide localized support only when needed for stability.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle turns on flat horizontal terrain, then steering is achieved, but high pressure on the traction lugs causes lug wagging and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The angled front portions of the slide rails act as intermediaries between the mid-rollers and the traction lugs during steering maneuvers. These angled portions redirect and distribute the steering forces, reducing the direct pressure on the traction lugs that would otherwise cause lug wagging and vibration.
3Reliability
If conventional track systems are used on soft or compacted snow, then basic track function is maintained, but traction is reduced due to lug wagging and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the slide rails (angling the front portions and configuring the rearward portions) to alter how forces are distributed through the track assembly. This parameter change reduces the pressure on traction lugs during steering, minimizing lug wagging and vibration on soft or compacted snow while maintaining reliable track function.
Data Source
AI summary
Kit of front and rear track assemblies mountable on a drive axle of a vehicle. The front track assembly has a frame, a leading idler wheel mounted to the frame for rotation about a leading idler wheel axis, a trailing idler wheel mounted to the frame for rotation about a trailing idler wheel axis, a drive wheel assembly, and at least two slide rails. The slide rails have corresponding forward-facing portions, central portions, and rearward-facing portions. The rear track assembly has slide rails having a bottom surface with an upward curvature. A vehicle having the front and rear track assemblies.