Track Suspension Articulation for Tractive Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Track driven vehicles face limited tractive force and increased wear due to the lack of articulation in idler and roller wheels, leading to a less comfortable ride and excessive vehicle part wear.
Innovation Solution
A track suspension system comprising a drive wheel, yoke plate carrier, wishbone members, rocker assemblies, and suspension spring assemblies, where the drive wheel is affixed to a vehicle final drive axle, and wishbone and rocker assemblies are connected through joints to allow for increased articulation and load distribution, with hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical suspension options connected to common accumulators for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If minimal travel and articulation are provided to idler and roller wheels, then the suspension structure remains simple, but tractive force is limited and forces are transmitted to the vehicle causing wear and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent segments: leading equalizers and trailing equalizers that can articulate independently, allowing each segment to absorb forces separately while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The idler and roller wheels are designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing them to move and adjust their positions relative to the track frame, enabling the system to adapt to terrain variations and increase tractive force without requiring a completely complex suspension structure
2Reliability
If idler and roller wheels lack articulation, then the suspension structure remains simple, but forces are transmitted to the vehicle leading to excessive part wear and reduced ride comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizer assemblies incorporate cushioning mechanisms that absorb and dampen forces before they are transmitted to the vehicle chassis, protecting vehicle parts from excessive wear while maintaining a relatively simple suspension structure
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizer assemblies act as intermediary elements between the track suspension and the vehicle chassis, absorbing and filtering forces to protect the vehicle from excessive wear while maintaining structural simplicity
3Ease of operation
If idler and roller wheels have minimal articulation, then the suspension structure remains simple, but ride comfort is reduced due to force transmission to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates dynamic articulation of idler and roller wheels through equalizer assemblies, allowing the wheels to move and absorb shocks from terrain variations, improving ride comfort without requiring an overly complex suspension structure
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 system improves ride comfort, reduces vehicle wear, and increases tractive force by allowing greater articulation and load distribution, enhancing contact area with the ground and thus providing better traction.
Implementation Method 1
cushion means responsive to reciprocation of the idler support members with respect to the track frame ends to cushion recoil of the idlers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a track suspension (2) comprising a drive wheel (4), a yoke plate carrier (5), a front wishbone member (10), a rear wishbone member (7), a front rocker assembly (16), a rear rocker assembly (15), a front suspension spring assembly (20) and a rear suspension spring assembly (19), wherein the drive wheel is rotatably affixed to and driven by a vehicle final drive axle assembly, wherein the yoke plate carrier is affixed to a yoke assembly, wherein the rear wishbone member is rotatably affixed to the yoke assembly and the yoke plate carrier through a rear wishbone joint (8), wherein the front wishbone member is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a front wishbone joint (9), wherein the front rocker assembly is comprised of a front rocker beam (27, a front idler wheel (12) and a front roller wheel (14), wherein the rear rocker assembly is comprised of a rear rocker beam (26), a rear roller wheel (11) and a rear idler wheel (13), wherein the front rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the front wishbone through a front rocker joint (18), wherein the rear rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a rear rocker joint (17), wherein a front suspension spring assembly is affixed between the yoke assembly and the front wishbone member, and wherein a rear suspension spring assembly is affixed between the yoke assembly and the rear wishbone member