Tracked Suspension Beam Assembly for Debris Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles face issues with dirt and contaminants clogging suspension components, leading to excessive wear and jamming, as existing suspension designs fail to effectively shed debris in dirty environments like construction sites.
Innovation Solution
An elongated beam assembly with an inverted 'U' shape, featuring an inner and outer wall coupled with a curved plate, supports track wheels and is designed to facilitate the removal of dirt and contaminants by positioning the curved plate's free edge laterally outward and welding its bottom surface to the outer wall, allowing easy clearance of accumulated debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional suspension beam designs are used, then structural support for track wheels is provided, but dirt and contaminants accumulate on the beam surfaces causing clogging and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the suspension beam with a specific curved profile including a first curved surface and a second curved surface. The first curved surface extends from the top surface toward the bottom and the second curved surface extends from the bottom toward the opposite side, creating a streamlined shape that reduces dirt accumulation and facilitates contaminant shedding during suspension operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the beam surface by introducing specific curvature radii and angular orientations. The first curved surface has a defined radius of curvature and the second curved surface has its own radius, creating optimized flow paths for dirt and contaminants to be thrown off the beam surface during vehicle operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If beam surfaces are designed to shed dirt, then contaminant removal is improved, but the structural integrity and support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing curved surfaces only in specific zones where dirt shedding is needed, while maintaining other portions of the beam with traditional structural configurations. The curved surfaces are strategically positioned on the outer surfaces exposed to contaminant accumulation, while internal reinforcement elements and connection points retain conventional designs for optimal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the beam design by incorporating three-dimensional curved surfaces rather than flat or simple cylindrical shapes. The first and second curved surfaces create a complex multi-dimensional geometry that enhances contaminant removal through improved flow dynamics while distributing structural loads across multiple curved planes.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated beam assembly for a tracked suspension includes an inverted “U” shaped member having a first upper surface disposed at an outwardly descending lateral angle; and a plurality of track wheels coupled to the bottom of the member and disposed inside the member. In another arrangement the assembly includes a curved plate disposed between and fixed to both an inner wall and outer wall of the “U” shaped member, with the free edge of the curved plate extending outward over the top edge of the outer wall.