Track-Module Load Distribution via Rotatable Bogie
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle track-module systems face challenges in distributing load evenly among wheels, particularly on uneven ground and changing slopes, leading to increased contact forces and wear on the flexible track, while also requiring minimal unsprung mass and independent vertical movement of axles.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle track-module apparatus incorporates a module frame with leading and trailing suspension arms, a bogie assembly, and suspension elements that allow for independent roll-mode movement and load distribution, featuring a bogie mount with rotatable bogie wheels and a tensioning element to manage load changes and reduce ground contact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a vehicle track-module system uses multiple wheels with an endless track, then ground engagement area is increased and traction is improved, but load distribution among wheels becomes uneven on uneven ground and slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bogie assembly rotatable about a bogie axis, allowing the bogie wheels to independently adjust their orientation and position in response to uneven ground and slope changes. This dynamic adjustment enables all wheels to maintain contact with the ground and share the load evenly, resolving the load distribution problem while preserving the large ground engagement area benefit of multiple wheels.
2Reliability
If the bogie assembly is made rotatable about a bogie axis, then load distribution among wheels is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suspension system into distinct functional components: leading and trailing suspension arms, a separate bogie assembly with bogie wheels, and suspension elements connecting them. This segmentation allows the bogie assembly to be independently rotated about the bogie axis, simplifying the overall mechanism while achieving improved load distribution. Each segment can move and adjust independently, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple interconnected parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suspension elements connect suspension arms to bogie mount, then independent vertical movement of axles is enabled, but unsprung mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible suspension elements (which can be spring elements, dampers, or rubber elements) to connect the suspension arms to the bogie mount. These flexible elements enable independent vertical movement of the axles to adapt to uneven terrain while having minimal mass compared to rigid connections. The flexible nature of these elements allows them to provide the necessary compliance without adding significant unsprung mass.
Data Source
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AI summary
In vehicle track-module apparatus including a module frame, a drive wheel rotatable with respect to the frame, ground-engaging leading and trailing wheels, at least one ground-engaging bogie wheel, and an endless track extending around the wheels and driven by its engagement with the drive wheel, the improvement comprising: (a) a leading suspension arm rotatable with respect to the frame and extending forwardly to a distal end at which a leading-wheel assembly is rotatably attached and rearwardly to a rearward suspension end; (b) a trailing suspension arm rotatable with respect to the frame and extending rearwardly to a distal end at which a trailing-wheel assembly is rotatably attached and forwardly to a forward suspension end; (c) a bogie assembly having a bogie mount and the at least one bogie wheel rotatable with respect thereto; and (d) leading and trailing suspension elements rotatably attached to and extending from the rearward and forward suspension ends, respectively, to rearward and forward rotatable bogie-mount connections, respectively.