Tractor Crawler Track Actuator for Uniform Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractors with crawler tracks experience uneven contact force distribution during pulling work, leading to track pitching and increased soil compaction, which reduces performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tractor design featuring an actuator between the vehicle frame and crawler tracks that pivots the tracks about the rear axle, applying contact pressure to the front section to counteract tensile loads, ensuring even contact force across the crawler track's contact area, and a control device to adjust this pressure based on load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If crawler tracks are used to increase tractive force, then tractive force is improved, but ground contact uniformity deteriorates due to track uprighting during heavy pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalancing mechanism that generates an opposing moment to counteract the uprighting moment created during heavy pulling operations. This counterbalancing system maintains the track in a horizontal position, ensuring uniform ground contact across the entire track width while preserving the high tractive force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the position or force applied by the counterbalancing mechanism based on operating conditions. By changing parameters such as the counterbalancing force magnitude or application point, the system maintains optimal ground contact uniformity across varying load conditions while preserving tractive force.
2Force
If crawler tracks are designed for heavy pulling operations, then tractive force is improved, but soil compaction increases due to uneven ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalancing mechanism prevents track uprighting during heavy pulling, which distributes the vehicle's weight and tractive forces more evenly across the ground contact area. This even distribution reduces localized soil compaction while maintaining the necessary tractive force for heavy pulling operations.
3Force
If track length is increased to improve tractive force, then device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalancing mechanism that can be integrated into existing track systems regardless of track length. This approach allows the system to achieve uniform ground contact and maintain tractive force without requiring fundamental redesigns or additional complex components proportional to track length.
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
This solution maintains continuous ground contact and even force transmission during heavy pulling, reducing soil compaction and improving performance by distributing the contact force evenly across the crawler track's contact area.
Implementation Method 1
the tracked running gears are suspended pendulum-like on the rear vehicle axle
Implementation Method 2
the actuator is designed and intended to pivot the respective crawler track about the vehicle axis in order to exert a pressing force against the ground... counteracts a righting moment caused by the tensile load acting around the vehicle axis
Implementation Method 3
the track belt interacts with a ground surface in a force-transmitting manner... enabling better transmission of tractive forces to the ground
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a tractor (1) for performing traction work with a vehicle frame (2) and with at least two tracked undercarriages (6) arranged opposite each other and pivotably mounted on a rear vehicle axle (4), wherein the tracked undercarriages (6) have at least one front deflection roller (10), one rear deflection roller (11) and a track belt (9) spanning the deflection rollers (10, 11), wherein the track belt (9) interacts with a ground surface in a force-transmitting manner in sections, wherein the vehicle axle (4) lies between a front and a rear section (8a, 8b) of the tracked undercarriage (6), wherein an actuator (15) is arranged between the vehicle frame (2) and the tracked undercarriages (6), wherein the actuator (15) is designed and provided for pivoting the respective tracked undercarriage (6) about the vehicle axle (4).in order to exert a contact force against the ground, at least on the front section (8a) of the crawler track (6), when performing pulling work.