Tracked Vehicle Chassis with Overlapping Frames for Equipment Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked utility vehicles face challenges in accommodating large work equipment due to size constraints, requiring modifications to both the vehicle and equipment, and struggle with installing work equipment on their unique frames, which complicates compatibility with public road infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A tracked vehicle design featuring a chassis with an upper and lower frame structure, where the lower frame spans a longitudinal distance with overlapping and non-overlapping sections, allowing for a torque box installation method that secures the work equipment, and track assemblies with drive and support wheels for traction, enabling easier mounting of work equipment and compliance with public road height limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the chassis size is increased to accommodate larger work equipment, then the carrying capacity is improved, but the vehicle height exceeds public road infrastructure limits
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into upper and lower frame structures with distinct functional zones. The lower frame structure provides equipment mounting space while the upper frame structure supports the operator cabin and power plant, allowing equipment to be positioned lower to clear road infrastructure while maintaining carrying capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structures overlap in the longitudinal dimension rather than extending vertically, creating horizontal space utilization that allows equipment mounting without increasing vehicle height, thus resolving the contradiction between carrying capacity and height constraints
2Reliability
If the tracked vehicle frame is designed uniquely for tracked operation, then traction performance is improved, but compatibility with work equipment designed for truck frames deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lower frame structure serves dual functions: providing structural support for tracked operation and offering standardized mounting locations compatible with work equipment designed for conventional truck frames, thus achieving both traction performance and equipment compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The lower frame structure acts as an intermediary between the tracked vehicle platform and conventional work equipment, providing standardized mounting points that facilitate direct installation of equipment without requiring intermediate support structures or modifications
3Ease of operation
If work equipment is mounted on the upper frame structure, then equipment accessibility is improved, but torsional resistance of the chassis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is segmented into upper and lower frame structures with the lower frame carrying the work equipment. This segmentation positions equipment on the lower, more rigid frame section that provides superior torsional resistance while maintaining accessibility through the lower mounting position
Solution Approach 2:
The lower frame structure is designed with enhanced structural properties and material characteristics optimized for carrying heavy equipment and resisting torsional loads, while the upper frame structure focuses on supporting the operator cabin and power plant, creating localized structural optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.