Sensor-Controlled Track Assembly for Soft Ground Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles, especially agricultural and construction vehicles, face issues with soil compaction and uneven load distribution on soft or uneven ground surfaces, leading to premature wear of components and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a multi-pivot assembly and a frame assembly connected to the vehicle's chassis, featuring adjustable idler wheels and support wheels, along with a track system controller that uses sensors and actuators to dynamically adjust the position and tension of the endless track to ensure even load distribution and reduce soil compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional track systems are used on soft or uneven ground, then the vehicle can move along the ground surface, but the load is not evenly distributed across the ground contacting segment of the endless track, causing high and low pressure spots that lead to soil compaction and premature wear of track components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic load distribution system where the endless track is divided into multiple independently controllable ground-contacting segments. Each segment can be dynamically adjusted in position and applied load through actuators controlled by a controller that receives ground condition data from sensors. This allows the track to adapt to uneven terrain and distribute load evenly, preventing both soil compaction and track component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the track system by adjusting the position and applied load of individual ground-contacting segments based on real-time ground condition sensing. The controller modifies parameters such as segment elevation, horizontal position, and force application to optimize load distribution across the ground surface, thereby eliminating high-pressure spots that cause soil compaction and track wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endless track maintains contact with uneven ground surface, then the vehicle can traverse the terrain, but uneven load distribution occurs leading to premature wear of track system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow each ground-contacting segment of the endless track to independently adapt to terrain variations. Actuators controlled by a central controller adjust segment positions and load distribution in real-time based on sensor feedback about ground conditions, enabling the track to maintain contact with uneven surfaces while distributing load uniformly to prevent premature component wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The endless track is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections, each capable of being adjusted separately in position and load application. This segmentation allows the track to conform to uneven terrain while preventing concentrated loads on any single segment, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining terrain adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used to increase traction on soft ground, then the vehicle can operate in wet field conditions, but the structural components do not allow the endless track to conform to the ground surface like a tire filled with gas does
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static, rigid track structure with a dynamic system where multiple ground-contacting segments can be independently positioned and loaded. This dynamic capability allows the track to conform to ground surfaces similar to pneumatic tires, achieving high adaptability without requiring the track to be filled with gas or other compliant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conventional mechanical track structure with a controlled system that uses sensors to detect ground conditions and actuators to adjust segment positions and loads. This substitution replaces the need for inherently compliant materials (like pneumatic tires) with an active control system that achieves conformity through mechanical adjustment, balancing adaptability with structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A track system includes an attachment assembly including at least one of a first pivot defining a roll pivot axis, a second pivot defining a pitch pivot axis, and a third pivot defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected to the attachment assembly. The track system further includes at least one actuator for pivoting the frame assembly about at least one of the roll and yaw pivot axes, and at least one monitoring for determining, at least indirectly, at least one of a state of the track system and a ground surface condition. The at least one monitoring sensor is communicating with a track system controller to control the operation of the at least one actuator based on the at least one of the state of the track system and the ground surface condition.