Tracked Irrigation Vehicle Conversion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled wheeled irrigation vehicles face issues with traction loss and stress on towers when operating in conditions where the surface cannot support their weight, leading to potential failure due to miring, flat tires, or loss of air pressure, especially in wet and waterlogged areas.
Innovation Solution
A track system is developed to convert wheeled irrigation vehicles into tracked vehicles, featuring a flexible endless track with sprocket and idler wheels, adjustable wheelbase, and a tensioning mechanism, allowing for improved traction and ground engagement through removable cleats, which can be attached to existing wheel hubs for enhanced operational stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheeled irrigation vehicles are used to traverse land surfaces, then the vehicle can move and perform irrigation functions, but the tires or drive wheels lose traction and become mired in wet and waterlogged conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of ground contact from discrete wheel-tire contact to continuous track-groun dcontact. The tracked vehicle system distributes the vehicle weight over a larger surface area through the continuous track, preventing miring in wet and waterlogged conditions while maintaining reliable traction for irrigation operations
2Ease of operation
If wheeled irrigation vehicles travel along prescribed paths, then the vehicle can follow irrigation routes, but the tires or drive wheels form ruts that exacerbate traction loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the contact geometry from discrete wheel contact points to a continuous linear contact surface. The track system follows prescribed irrigation paths while distributing pressure along the entire length of the track, preventing rut formation that would otherwise occur with wheeled vehicles traveling along the same routes
3Productivity
If one or more towers of the irrigation vehicle lag behind the general motion, then the vehicle can continue moving, but undue stress and strain are placed on the towers and main elevated water conduit or pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the propulsion interface from discrete wheels to a continuous track system. This ensures all support points (towers) move forward simultaneously along the prescribed path, eliminating the lagging tower problem and the associated stress and strain on the main elevated water conduit and pipe structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If tires or support wheels are used, then the vehicle can operate on various surfaces, but they must be periodically checked to ensure proper inflation and sufficient tread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ground contact system from pneumatic tires requiring inflation and tread maintenance to a solid track system. The tracked vehicle maintains adaptability to various surfaces including wet and waterlogged conditions while eliminating the need for periodic inflation checks and tread assessments, significantly reducing maintenance time
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 track system enhances traction and stability, enabling operation in challenging conditions without the need for frequent track replacements, reducing stress on towers and preventing vehicle failure by maintaining optimal tension and ground contact.
Implementation Method 1
a sprocket, bogey wheels and idler wheels rotatably mounted on the carriage; A flexible, endless track is installed about the carriage so that its inner surface contacts the wheels and the sprocket, which drivingly engages a flexible, endless track
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly having a carriage with frames that support a plurality of idler and bogey wheels. A portion of one of the frames is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the frames so that they are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage may include an offset hub support frame that includes an aperture that rotatably receives a spindle of an adaptor. The adaptor includes a peripheral flange to which a segmented sprocket may be connected, and a ring extension that may be connected to a wheel hub of an irrigation vehicle. A flexible endless track, that is entrained about the wheels and the sprocket may be provided with one or more cleats that are removably connected to the flexible, endless track, with each cleat including a ground engaging member that serves to increase the traction of the endless track.