Vehicle Track Frame Pivoting for Even Ground Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles experience issues with uneven load distribution across the ground-contacting segment of the endless track, leading to soil compaction and premature wear of components, as they do not conform evenly to the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a frame assembly that includes a yaw pivot axis, pitch pivot axis, and roll pivot axis, allowing for adjustable positioning of idler wheels and support wheels, along with actuators to control these movements, and a monitoring system to optimize load distribution and ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used, then vehicle mobility on soft ground is improved, but uneven load distribution causes soil compaction and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The track system incorporates a suspension mechanism with pivot axes that allow the track frame to dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the vehicle chassis. This dynamic adaptation enables the track to conform to uneven ground surfaces, distributing load more evenly across the ground-contacting segment and reducing high-pressure spots that cause soil compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the track assembly through the suspension mechanism, allowing the track to shift vertically and angularly to maintain optimal ground contact. This parameter adjustment enables the track to adapt to varying ground conditions while maintaining even load distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track systems are used, then vehicle mobility on soft ground is improved, but uneven load distribution causes premature component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension mechanism with multiple pivot axes enables dynamic adjustment of the track assembly, allowing it to adapt to ground irregularities. This reduces uneven loading on track components such as rollers, idlers, and the track itself, thereby reducing premature wear and improving reliability.
3Strength
If a rigid track structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the track cannot conform evenly to the ground surface
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into segmented components including the vehicle chassis, suspension assembly, and track frame that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the track to conform to ground irregularities while each structural component maintains its strength integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension mechanism introduces dynamic movement capability to the track structure through pivot axes, allowing the track assembly to adjust its position and orientation while maintaining structural strength through controlled mechanical connections.
4Area of stationary object
If tires are used instead of tracks, then ground contact area is reduced, but load distribution is more uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The track suspension system dynamically adjusts the track position to maximize ground contact area while maintaining even load distribution. This allows the track system to achieve both large contact area and uniform pressure distribution, overcoming the limitation of conventional fixed-track systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A track system for use with a vehicle includes an attachment assembly connectable to the chassis of the vehicle having a first pivot extending vertically and defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system, and a second pivot extending laterally and defining a pitch pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected thereto. The frame assembly includes at least one wheel-bearing frame member. The track system further includes at least one actuator connected between the attachment assembly and the frame assembly for pivoting the frame assembly about the yaw pivot axis, a leading idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, a trailing idler wheel assembly at least indirectly connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, at least one support wheel assembly, and an endless track.