Tracked Vehicle Brake and Drive Axle Layout for Compact Track Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies for tracked vehicles face challenges in achieving a radially compact drive arrangement with an efficient brake function, which is crucial for effective braking and parking operations.
Innovation Solution
The track assembly incorporates a drive arrangement with a coaxially arranged drive axle and a brake arrangement that includes a torque arm connected to the track support beam, allowing for efficient rotation and fluid transport, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, and utilizing a fluid system with a pump arrangement and reservoir for controlled brake operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional brake arrangement is used with separate mounting, then the brake function can be provided, but the drive arrangement becomes radially larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arrangement is merged with the drive axle assembly by journaling the brake arrangement in bearings in connection to the drive axle. The torque arm is integrated to be attached to or constitute a portion of the brake housing, which is connected to the track support beam. This integration eliminates separate mounting structures and reduces radial space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive axle serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotational axis for the drive wheel member, supports the brake arrangement through journaling, and provides the mounting point for bearings. The torque arm simultaneously provides structural support and prevents rotation of the brake housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the brake arrangement is journaled in the drive axle, then radial compactness is achieved, but the brake housing must be prevented from rotating
Solution Approach 1:
The torque arm acts as a counterbalancing element that provides rotational restraint to the brake housing. By being connected to the track support beam, the torque arm creates a stable reference frame that prevents unwanted rotation of the brake housing while allowing the drive axle to rotate freely within the journaled bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque arm is pre-configured to prevent rotation of the brake housing before braking operation begins. This preliminary constraint ensures that the brake arrangement maintains proper alignment and stability throughout the braking process, eliminating the need for additional rotational restraint mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a track assembly for a tracked vehicle. Said track assembly comprises a track support beam configured to support road wheels, a drive wheel member, and a drive arrangement for drive wheel member operation and an endless track disposed around said road wheels and drive wheel member. Said drive arrangement comprises a brake arrangement for braking the drive wheel member, and a drive axle coaxially arranged relative to a centre axis of said drive wheel member for rotating said drive wheel member. Said brake arrangement is configured to be journaled in bearings in connection to a portion of the drive axle. Said brake arrangement comprises a torque arm configured to be connected to said track support beam so as to essentially prevent rotation of a brake housing of said brake arrangement about said centre axis.