Trailing Link Suspension for Partially Tracked Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles face performance issues such as limited suspension travel, track derailment, and restricted utilization of attachments, which affect directional control, ride quality, flexibility, stability, and travel speed due to inherent limitations in current suspension systems.
Innovation Solution
A trailing link suspension system for tracked vehicles, incorporating forward and rear trailing links with shocks and walking beams, along with a pneumatic or mechanical lock-out mechanism, to enhance suspension travel and stability, and a steerable front axle synchronized with the traction drive for improved Ackerman Steering geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional suspension systems are used in tracked vehicles, then the structure is simpler, but the suspension travel is limited and ride quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent trailing links (forward trailing link, intermediate trailing link, rear trailing link) that can move independently. Each trailing link connects to the chassis and walking beam, allowing segmented motion that increases overall suspension travel while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing links are designed with dynamic degrees of freedom, allowing them to pivot and adjust their position relative to the chassis and walking beam. This dynamic configuration enables the suspension to adapt to varying terrain conditions, providing increased travel without requiring a proportionally complex mechanical structure.
2Reliability
If conventional track tensioning methods are used, then the structure is simpler, but track derailment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track support system uses multiple trailing links and walking beams that independently support and tension different sections of the track. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to track retention, providing redundant support points that reduce derailment risk without requiring a single complex tensioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the suspension system have specialized functions: forward trailing links handle front track section tensioning, intermediate links provide mid-section support, and rear links manage rear track tension. This local specialization of functions improves overall track retention by addressing tensioning needs at multiple locations rather than using a single uniform approach.
3Force
If traditional steering mechanisms are used, then the structure is simpler, but lateral forces during turns increase and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system incorporates dynamic trailing links that can pivot and adjust their angle relative to the chassis during turns. This dynamic adjustment allows the suspension to actively manage lateral force distribution, reducing peak forces during steering maneuvers while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical linkage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing links act as intermediary elements between the steering input and the track movement. By introducing these intermediate pivoting components, the system can gradually distribute steering forces through multiple joints and connections, reducing the instantaneous lateral forces that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the tracks and requiring excessive steering power.
4Ease of operation
If rigid suspension connections are used, then the structure is simpler, but ride comfort deteriorates on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing links are designed with pivot connections that allow dynamic motion in multiple directions. These dynamic joints enable the suspension to absorb vertical impacts, lateral forces, and torsional stresses from uneven terrain, significantly improving ride comfort. The complexity introduced by these dynamic connections is localized to specific joints rather than requiring a completely complex mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing link suspension allows asymmetric motion of individual links in response to localized terrain irregularities. Each link can pivot independently to accommodate uneven ground conditions on either side of the vehicle, providing adaptive ride comfort that responds to asymmetric terrain features without requiring a symmetric, overly complex mechanical structure.
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 provides increased suspension travel, reduced lateral forces during turns, improved ride comfort, and enhanced stability, allowing for smoother operation on uneven terrain and reduced power requirements for steering, while minimizing the risk of track derailment.
Implementation Method 1
shocks having a first end pivotally connected to the chassis and a second end pivotally connected to the trailing link
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic or mechanical lock-out mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A partially tracked utility vehicle and conversion are provided. The converted partially tracked utility vehicle has a chassis, front wheels, and a trailing link suspension. The trailing link suspension has a trailing link with a first end pivotably connected to the chassis and a second end pivotably connected to a walking beam at a walking beam pivot; a shock having a first end pivotably connected to a tension shaft and a second end pivotably connected to the trailing link; the walking beam further comprising a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging a track of the partially tracked utility vehicle; a sprocket mounted to a traction drive of the utility vehicle for engaging and providing rotational power to the track; and an actuator attached to the chassis, the actuator having a shaft pivotably connected to the tension shaft and configured to rotate the tension shaft.