Track System for Wheeled Vehicle Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment is limited in its operational versatility on uneven and off-road surfaces due to its wheeled design, which restricts its ability to effectively excavate or maneuver in challenging terrain.
Innovation Solution
A track system is developed that can be attached to existing wheel hubs of construction equipment, featuring a frame with rollers and a tensioning mechanism to absorb impacts and maintain track tension, along with a limiting apparatus to control rotational movement, allowing the conversion of wheeled vehicles into tracked vehicles capable of operating on diverse surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wheeled design is used for construction equipment, then the vehicle is easier to manufacture and operate on solid surfaces, but its ability to navigate uneven and off-road surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into modular components including a frame structure, individual rollers (front, rear, and intermediate), track links, and tensioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows the track system to be attached to existing wheel hubs while providing tracked vehicle capabilities, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the complex track system modular and attachable to simple wheeled platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is designed to be universally attachable to existing wheel hubs of various construction equipment, enabling wheeled vehicles to function as tracked vehicles. This multi-functionality allows the same base vehicle to operate in both wheeled and tracked modes, improving adaptability to different terrains without requiring complete vehicle redesign
2Ease of manufacture
If a track system is attached to existing wheel hubs, then the conversion to tracked vehicle is simplified, but the structural strength and rigidity of the frame may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-configured with mounting points and attachment mechanisms that align with standard wheel hub interfaces, allowing the track system to be readily attached to existing vehicles. This preliminary design consideration simplifies conversion while maintaining structural integrity through pre-engineered attachment points that distribute loads effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates reinforced structures with box-like enclosures and additional plates that combine multiple material properties to achieve both strength and rigidity. The enclosure structure acts as a composite reinforcement element that strengthens the frame without significantly increasing weight, resolving the contradiction between ease of conversion and structural strength
3Reliability
If the forwardmost roller is made temporarily displacable, then the track system can absorb impacts from obstacles, but the track tension may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The forwardmost roller is designed with temporary displacability, allowing it to move dynamically in response to impacts from obstacles. This dynamic capability enables the track system to absorb shocks and maintain continuous contact with the ground on uneven terrain, improving reliability while the tensioning mechanism maintains overall track tension stability through elastic elements
4Strength
If the frame is strengthened with additional plates and enclosures, then the structural strength increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame reinforcement elements (enclosures, additional plates) are merged with the primary frame structure rather than being separate add-on components. This integration approach strengthens the frame while minimizing additional complexity, as the reinforcement elements serve dual purposes of structural support and attachment mounting surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to track systems 14, 14′ that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14′ includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14′ preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14′. Preferably, the limiting apparatus 300 is adjustable such that the range of rotational movement “r” can be varied.