Vehicle Track System with Large Sprocket and Low Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles face challenges on harder surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and snow groomed trails due to increased friction and difficulty in steering and maneuverability, as well as speed loss and higher gas consumption, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a larger diameter sprocket wheel and lower track tension, combined with a narrower endless track and strategically positioned guide lugs, is designed to improve performance by reducing rolling resistance and enhancing traction, while maintaining alignment to prevent detracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional track system with smaller sprocket wheel diameter (60% of OEM wheel diameter) is used to compensate for increased rolling resistance, then floatation and traction on soft surfaces are improved, but speed loss and top speed reduction occur on harder surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sprocket wheel diameter parameter from the conventional 60% of OEM wheel diameter to a larger diameter (specifically 24 inches or larger), which fundamentally alters the track system's performance characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both good traction and acceptable speed performance across different surface conditions by optimizing the mechanical advantage and reducing the negative effects of the larger track contact patch.
2Force
If a larger ground contacting area of the endless track is used to spread vehicle force and provide additional ground-engaging surface, then floatation and traction are increased, but friction between track and ground increases making the vehicle more difficult to steer and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the track width parameter to a specific range (10-14 inches) that balances ground contacting area for traction with maneuverability. This parameter optimization, combined with the larger sprocket wheel diameter, reduces the frictional resistance to steering while maintaining adequate floatation and traction capabilities on various surfaces.
3Loss of energy
If a smaller sprocket wheel diameter is used in conventional track systems, then rolling resistance is compensated for on soft terrain, but speed loss occurs when riding on harder surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sprocket wheel diameter parameter to 24 inches or larger, which fundamentally alters the energy loss characteristics of the track system. This parameter change reduces the rolling resistance penalties on harder surfaces while maintaining effective traction on soft terrain, thereby improving overall vehicle speed and fuel efficiency across diverse operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Track system to be mounted on a vehicle in place of a rotatable OEM tire/wheel assembly, including: A frame. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame, operatively connectable to the drive shaft of the vehicle, and has a diameter of between 65% and 100% of the OEM tire diameter. Leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies are mounted on the frame. An endless track having an inner surface is disposed around the drive wheel, the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The endless track has an unsupported portion between the drive wheel and one of the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The unsupported portion has a length and a center. The unsupported portion deflects a distance of between 8% and 12% of its length on application of a 25-lb. force at its center.