Vehicle Track Kit Layout for Lower Unsprung Mass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art track assemblies for converting wheel-drive vehicles to track-drive vehicles have high unsprung mass, limiting vehicle speed and causing increased wear on suspension components.
Innovation Solution
A track kit with reduced unsprung mass, featuring two track assemblies with an endless track, idler wheels, intermediate support members, swing arms, and a shock absorber connecting assembly, which maintains tension in the track and reduces torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If prior art track assemblies are mounted on the wheel hub unit replacing original wheels, then improved traction and navigability in rugged terrain and snowy conditions is achieved, but unsprung mass is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into separate functional components: the track itself, the drive wheel connected to the wheel hub, and the front idler wheel connected to the chassis. This segmentation allows the heavy track to be supported partially by the chassis through the idler wheel, reducing the unsprung mass that must be accelerated and controlled by the suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The front idler wheel acts as an intermediary element between the track assembly and the chassis. By connecting the front idler wheel axle to the chassis rather than to the wheel hub, it serves as a mediator that transfers part of the track's weight and forces directly to the chassis, bypassing the suspension system and reducing unsprung mass.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If prior art track assemblies are mounted on the wheel hub unit, then ground contacting capability is improved, but vehicle speed is limited due to increased unsprung mass
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is segmented into components with different mounting configurations. The drive wheel remains connected to the wheel hub for power transmission, while the front idler wheel is connected to the chassis. This segmentation reduces the effective unsprung mass, allowing higher vehicle speeds while maintaining ground contacting capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If prior art track assemblies are mounted on the wheel hub unit, then track drive functionality is achieved, but wear of original suspension components such as bushings and ball joints is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The front idler wheel serves as an intermediary that transfers a portion of the track assembly's dynamic loads and forces directly to the chassis. This reduces the burden on the original suspension components (bushings and ball joints), decreasing their wear and improving their durability while maintaining track drive functionality.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If track length is increased to improve traction, then ground engagement is improved, but torsional forces on the wheel hub unit become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is segmented with the front idler wheel independently mounted to the chassis. This segmentation allows the track to be longer for improved ground engagement while the chassis-mounted idler wheel absorbs and distributes torsional forces, preventing excessive stress on the wheel hub unit.
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
The track kit achieves reduced unsprung mass by independent movement of the track assembly components, allowing for increased track length without excessive torsional forces, thereby improving suspension characteristics, driving comfort, and vehicle speed.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber connecting assembly, wherein the shock absorber connecting assembly is connected to the intermediate support member and operably connectable to a lower connecting end of a shock absorber having an upper end operably connected to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
at least one swing arm, wherein the at least one swing arm is pivotably connected to the intermediate support member and pivotably connectable to the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
A track kit for a vehicle, having two track assemblies, each track assembly having an endless track, a front idler wheel, an intermediate support member with at least one track engaging element, a rear idler wheel, a drive wheel, at least one swing arm and a shock absorber connecting assembly. The endless track has an external side featuring ground lugs for ground engagement and an internal side featuring drive lugs for engagement with the drive wheel, and the internal side is circumferentially trained around and in contact with the front idler wheel.