Multi-Member Track Frame Assembly for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track systems for vehicles face challenges in improving ride quality, traction, and durability while maintaining cost-effectiveness, particularly on soft, slippery, and uneven ground surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-member frame assembly for track systems featuring a pivot pin, leading and trailing frame members, resilient members, and annular torsion springs that allow independent pivoting and damping of vibrations, along with a scissor-like structure that increases ground contact area with increased load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rigid frame assembly is used in track systems, then structural simplicity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but ride quality and vibration damping are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is divided into multiple independent frame members (leading frame member, trailing frame member, intermediate frame members) that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each member to move independently to absorb vibrations and shocks from uneven terrain, improving ride quality while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed with pivot connections that allow dynamic movement and adaptation to terrain conditions. The resilient members provide elastic deformation capability, enabling the frame to dynamically respond to external forces from the ground surface, thereby improving ride comfort and reducing shock transmission to the vehicle chassis.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid track systems are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but traction and ground contact adaptability are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The track system employs a dynamic multi-member frame structure that can adapt its configuration to various ground conditions. The frame members pivot independently to conform to uneven terrain, soft surfaces, and obstacles, maximizing ground contact area and traction while maintaining cost-effectiveness through a relatively simple mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its geometric parameters (relative positions and angles of frame members) in response to ground conditions. The resilient members allow elastic deformation, and the pivot connections enable angular adjustments, allowing the track to adapt its contact parameters with the ground surface to optimize traction for different terrain types.
3Force
If heavy vehicle weight is used for traction, then traction force is improved, but ground surface compaction and soil damage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-member frame structure segments the vehicle weight distribution across multiple contact points with the ground. Instead of concentrating weight on a single rigid track, the independent frame members allow weight to be distributed over a larger area, reducing ground pressure and minimizing soil compaction while maintaining adequate traction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members can pivot and deform in vertical and angular dimensions, allowing the track system to increase its ground contact area by utilizing three-dimensional space. This dimensional adaptation distributes the vehicle weight over a larger surface area, reducing pressure on the ground while maintaining traction.
4Area of stationary object
If increased ground contact area is achieved through larger track size, then weight distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The track system achieves increased ground contact area through segmentation into multiple frame members that can spread apart and adapt to terrain. Rather than using a single large rigid structure, the segmented design allows the track to expand its footprint by pivoting and positioning individual members, increasing contact area without requiring a proportionally larger overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connections between frame members allow the track system to actively increase its ground contact area by adjusting the relative positions of members. This dynamic adaptation enables the track to maximize contact with the ground surface on uneven terrain without requiring a permanently oversized structure, thereby avoiding excessive manufacturing costs.
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
Enhances ride comfort, reduces component wear, and improves traction by damping vibrations and distributing weight over a larger area, while maintaining durability and reducing mud accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member pivotally connected to the leading frame member and to the trailing frame member, the resilient member extending generally vertically between the leading frame member and the trailing frame member
Implementation Method 2
a leading annular torsion spring disposed in the leading annular spacing, the leading annular torsion spring being connected to the leading frame member and to the pivot pin for pivotally biasing the leading frame member about the pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology generally relates to a vibration damping system for a track system of a vehicle. The vibration damping system comprises a leading frame member at least indirectly pivotally connectable to a chassis of the vehicle; a trailing frame member at least indirectly pivotally connectable to the chassis of the vehicle, the trailing frame member pivoting independently from the leading frame member; and a resilient member pivotally connected to the leading frame member and to the trailing frame member. The resilient member extends generally vertically between the leading frame member and the trailing frame member.