Tracked Vehicle Traction Control via Dynamic Turn Radius Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles lose control and slip when the turn radius exceeds the maximum achievable coefficient of friction between the tracks and the ground, which is typically around 0.7, leading to potential loss of traction.
Innovation Solution
A traction control method that calculates a minimum allowable turn radius based on vehicle attributes, velocity, and maximum coefficient of friction, and adjusts the track speed differential to prevent slipping by limiting the turn radius if the commanded radius is too sharp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver turns sharply to improve maneuverability, then the turn radius decreases, but the vehicle exceeds the maximum coefficient of friction and loses control
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vehicle speed and commanded turn radius, compares the commanded radius against the calculated minimum allowable turn radius, and automatically adjusts the track speed differential when the commanded turn is too sharp. This closed-loop feedback prevents exceeding the friction limit while maintaining operator intent where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically calculates and adjusts the minimum allowable turn radius based on real-time vehicle speed and other operational parameters. As speed changes, the minimum turn radius parameter is recalculated to maintain the optimal balance between maneuverability and traction, allowing sharper turns at lower speeds while preventing excessive turns at higher speeds.
2Productivity
If the vehicle speed increases to improve productivity, then the maximum safe turn radius increases, but the minimum allowable turn radius also increases reducing maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the minimum allowable turn radius dynamic rather than fixed, continuously adjusting it based on current vehicle speed and operational conditions. This allows the vehicle to achieve maximum productivity at high speeds with appropriate turn limitations, while automatically providing greater turning flexibility when speed decreases, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and maneuverability.
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
Prevents slipping and maintains traction by ensuring the turn radius does not exceed the calculated minimum, thereby maintaining control and stability of the tracked vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the maximum coefficient of friction (COF or μ) that can be achieved between the tracks and the ground is generally approximately 0.7
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a traction control method for a tracked vehicle such as a military tank. The method includes calculating a track proportionality factor and a vehicle proportionality factor based on predefined attributes of the tracked vehicle. A minimum turn radius of the tracked vehicle is calculated based on the velocity of the tracked vehicle, the maximum coefficient of friction between the tracks of the tracked vehicle and the ground (0.7), and gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s2). A sprocket rotational speed is calculated based on the pitch diameter of the tracked vehicle sprockets and the velocity of the tracked vehicle. Based on the preceding calculations, the method of the present invention calculates a required track speed differential configured to turn the tracked vehicle at the minimum turn radius. If a commanded turn radius is less than the minimum turn radius, the track speed differential of the tracked vehicle is limited to the required track speed differential to prevent the tracked vehicle from slipping.