Track System Support Structure for Pivoting Wheels on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems experience premature wear and uneven load distribution due to contact with laterally uneven surfaces, leading to detracking and reduced traction on soft or slippery ground surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a pivoting mechanism that allows support wheels to pivot about a stationary pivot, increasing their range of motion without interfering with drive lugs, thereby improving track system conformity to ground irregularities and reducing wear and detracking risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support wheels are allowed to pivot freely to conform to ground irregularities, then traction and load distribution are improved, but the support wheels may interfere with drive lugs and cause premature wear or detracking
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs a pivoting mechanism that allows the support wheels to dynamically adjust their position and orientation relative to the track system frame. This dynamic capability enables the support wheels to conform to ground irregularities while maintaining controlled movement that prevents interference with drive lugs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism changes the positional and angular parameters of the support wheels relative to the frame based on terrain conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the support wheels can adapt to varying ground conditions without causing harmful interference with the drive lugs, balancing conformity needs with wear prevention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support structure is made more complex to increase pivotal range of motion, then conformity to terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple linkages and pivoting components that work together to achieve the desired range of motion. This segmentation allows for modular design where each component performs a specific function, making the overall system more adaptable to terrain while keeping individual components simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes a dynamic pivoting mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom that allows the support wheels to move independently to some extent. This dynamic design provides sufficient pivotal range of motion for terrain conformity without requiring overly complex mechanical systems, achieving the right balance between adaptability and simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure having an axle and a multi-linkage assembly including first and second linkages for connecting at least one support wheel assembly to a frame member of a track system is disclosed. The first and second linkages are connectable to the frame member and the axle, and cooperatively define an imaginary pivot, which defines a pivot axis about which the axle can pivot due to the multi-linkage assembly. A support structure having an axle, at least one resilient body, and frame and axle clamping assemblies is also disclosed. The at least one resilient body, connectable to the frame member and the axle by the frame and axle clamping assemblies, defines an imaginary pivot, which defines a pivot axis. The at least one resilient body is deformable such that the axle is pivotable about the pivot axis. Track systems having the support structures and resilient assemblies are also disclosed.