Endless Track Bogie Suspension for Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endless track assemblies face challenges in accommodating uneven loading and providing uniform ground contact over uneven terrain, leading to increased stresses and vibrations in both the track components and supported vehicles, which results in discomfort and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a floating suspension system for bogie wheels with downward bias and pivotal movement in both longitudinal and transverse planes allows the wheels to closely follow terrain contours, distributing weight uniformly and reducing ground pressure and soil compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the track assembly uses fixed rigid support for bogie wheels, then the structure is simple and strong, but the ground contact is uneven and causes increased stresses and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The bogie wheels are mounted on a floating suspension system that allows dynamic vertical and pivotal movement. The wheels can move vertically along guide rails and pivot on longitudinal and transverse axes, enabling the track assembly to adapt to uneven terrain contours dynamically, thereby achieving uniform ground contact despite terrain variations
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent segments: vertical suspension elements (springs or dampers) for each bogie wheel, longitudinal pivot points, and transverse pivot points. This segmentation allows each wheel to independently respond to terrain variations while maintaining overall track stability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the track assembly follows terrain contours closely, then ground pressure and soil compaction are reduced, but the track components experience higher stresses and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The floating suspension system acts as an intermediary between the rigid track structure and the terrain. The suspension elements (springs or dampers) and pivotal joints absorb shocks and vibrations while allowing the track to follow terrain contours, thereby protecting both the track components and the ground from excessive stresses
3Ease of operation
If the bogie wheels are fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but the driver experiences discomfort due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The bogie wheels are mounted to move vertically and pivot on multiple axes through suspension elements. This dynamic mounting allows the wheels to follow terrain contours smoothly, filtering out vibrations and shocks before they reach the driver, thereby improving comfort while maintaining operational stability
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 solution reduces stresses and vibrations, enhances ground contact uniformity, extends the service life of the track and supported equipment, and minimizes driver discomfort by allowing the track to adapt to uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
bogie wheels which are biased downwardly so that the wheels more closely follow the contour of the ground or uneven terrain
Implementation Method 2
floating suspension for the bogie wheels which are biased downwardly
Implementation Method 3
The decrease in stresses and vibration in an implement being supported by the track assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes an elongated main frame supported for pivotal movement on a transverse axis and having opposite end portions supporting a set of end wheels. An endless flexible belt extends around the end wheels and has an upper run and a lower run for engaging the ground. A plurality of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels are positioned below the main frame and engage the lower run of the belt. The bogie wheels are carried by bogie frames supported for vertical movement and also for tilting movement relative to a plane defined by the axes of the end wheels. The bogie frames are urged or biased downwardly against the lower run of the belt by compression members extending from the main frame and preferably in the form of annular rubber spring members.