Tracked Vehicle Support Device Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles used for preparing ski slopes experience reduced adherence to the ground due to vibrations generated by support wheels, leading to decreased weight distribution, comfort issues, and accelerated wear on the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A support device featuring a second belt looped around support wheels, with specific diameter constraints and recesses/protrusions for shape coupling, and a belt tensioning system to reduce oscillations and improve adherence, combined with a conversion kit and method for tracked vehicles to enhance traction and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support wheels are used to hold the track in contact with the ground, then weight distribution is improved, but vibrations are generated that reduce adherence and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
A second belt is introduced as an intermediary element between the support wheels and the track. This belt absorbs and dampens the vibrations generated by the support wheels, preventing them from being transmitted to the track and vehicle body, while still allowing the support wheels to perform their weight distribution function
Solution Approach 2:
The second belt acts as a flexible film that wraps around the support wheels and contacts the inner face of the track. This flexible element provides vibration damping through its elastic properties, reducing the harmful vibrations while maintaining the mechanical connection needed for weight distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If support wheels turn inside the track, then they distribute vehicle mass, but adherence between support wheels and track is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second belt serves as a mediator that improves the contact interface between the support wheels and the track. By providing a dedicated contact surface, it enhances adherence while the belt's material properties absorb the vibrations that would otherwise reduce this adherence
3Stability of the object's composition
If vibrations are generated by support wheels, then weight distribution may be compromised, but this leads to reduced track adherence to ground and snow
Solution Approach 1:
The second belt acts as an intermediary damping element that prevents vibrations from propagating through the track system. This ensures that the weight distribution function of the support wheels is maintained without compromising the track's adherence to the ground and snow
Solution Approach 2:
The second belt provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the support wheels and the track. It preemptively absorbs the vibrations generated during operation, preventing them from affecting track adherence before the problem occurs
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 solution effectively reduces vibrations, enhances adherence between wheels and track, extends suspension life, and improves comfort and vehicle longevity by distributing weight more evenly and reducing slipping on snowy slopes.
Implementation Method 1
the support wheels and the second belt being shaped so as to provide a shape coupling, preferably between an inner face of the second belt and an outer face of the support wheels
Implementation Method 2
a belt tensioning system to reduce oscillations and improve adherence
Implementation Method 3
the support wheels and the second belt being shaped so as to provide a shape coupling... the second belt being configured to be arranged in contact with an inner face of the track
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Support device for a tracked vehicle, in particular for a tracked vehicle configured for preparing ski slopes, wherein the tracked vehicle (1) comprises a track (3) comprising at least a first belt (11) and a plurality of transverse metal elements (10), fixed to at least the first belt (11); a front wheel (5); and a rear wheel (4); the support device (9) comprising at least a first plurality of support wheels (14) configured to be arranged between the rear wheel (4; 38) and the front wheel (5) inside the track, and a second belt (15) closed in a loop and stretched around the plurality of support wheels (14) and configured to be arranged inside the track (3); the support wheels (14) and the second belt (15) being shaped so as to provide a shape coupling, preferably between an inner face (24) of the second belt (15) and an outer face (23) of the support wheels (11); the second belt (15), preferably an outer face (25) of the second belt (15), being configured to be arranged in contact with an inner face (30) of the track (3).