Treaded Traction Device for Model Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale model RC vehicles face challenges in achieving sufficient traction on various terrains, particularly when using traditional wheels, which can sink into loose surfaces like mud or snow, leading to slipping and reduced propulsive force.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a treaded traction device system with a biasing assembly and tensioning assembly, featuring a resilient member and dampener, allows the treaded traction device to adjust its orientation and maintain contact with the terrain, enhancing traction by distributing weight across a broader contact patch and providing adjustable tension for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional wheels are used in scale model RC vehicles, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the wheels sink into loose surfaces like mud or snow, leading to slipping and reduced propulsive force
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous tread is divided into multiple discrete tread blocks or lugs arranged in patterns around the wheel. This segmentation allows each block to independently engage with the terrain, preventing the wheel from sinking into loose surfaces while maintaining structural integrity and propulsive force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The traction device transitions from a two-dimensional wheel surface to a three-dimensional treaded structure with varying heights, angles, and depths. This dimensional change creates multiple contact points with the terrain, distributing weight more effectively and preventing sinking into soft surfaces while maintaining reliability.
2Force
If a treaded traction device is implemented, then traction and propulsive force are significantly increased, but the device complexity increases due to biasing assembly and tensioning assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing assembly incorporates springs or elastomeric elements that dynamically adjust the tread blocks' contact with the terrain based on load conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes traction across varying terrains without requiring complex mechanical linkages, balancing performance improvement with acceptable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning assembly uses curved or tapered surfaces that leverage geometric shapes to automatically tension the tread as it is installed or as the wheel rotates. This geometric approach replaces complex adjustment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining the necessary tension for effective traction.
3Reliability
If the treaded traction device adjusts its orientation to maintain contact with terrain, then traction is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to adjustable tension mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning assembly is designed to automatically tension the tread through the natural rotation of the wheel or application of load. The geometric features self-adjust to apply the necessary tension without requiring manual intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining contact consistency while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly pre-positions the tread blocks at optimal angles and tensions before the wheel begins operation. This preliminary configuration ensures immediate contact consistency upon installation, eliminating the need for complex post-installation adjustments and maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the treaded traction device distributes weight across a broader contact patch, then traction is enhanced, but the weight of the device increases due to biasing and tensioning components
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing assembly uses flexible elastomeric elements or thin spring sheets that provide the necessary biasing force with minimal weight. These flexible components distribute weight across the tread blocks while adding minimal mass compared to rigid mechanical alternatives, maintaining traction enhancement with acceptable weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the physical parameters of the biasing and tensioning components, such as spring wire diameter, elastomer density, and geometric dimensions, to achieve the minimum necessary weight. By carefully tuning these parameters, the device distributes weight effectively for enhanced traction while minimizing the added mass from biasing and tensioning components.
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 treaded traction device system significantly increases traction and propulsive force, allowing RC model vehicles to navigate difficult terrains effectively by adjusting its orientation and maintaining consistent contact with the ground, thereby improving operational parameters and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing assembly may include a spring or other resilient member that is biased to rotate the treaded traction device in a first rotational direction about the drive wheel axle
Implementation Method 2
The biasing assembly may include a dampener coupled to the first bias support and the second bias support
Data Source
AI summary
A treaded traction device for model vehicles is provided. The treaded traction device includes a biasing assembly and a tensioning assembly. The biasing assembly includes a first bias support fixed relative to a vehicle hub and a second bias support fixed relative to a traction hub. The biasing assembly also includes a coil and a dampener attached to the first and second bias supports. The treaded traction device is biased to result in one end being lower than another end. The tensioning assembly includes an idler wheel and a first and second tension support. The tension supports may be rotated to move the idler wheel, releasing tension on a surrounding tread. When the tension is released, the surrounding tread may be removed or replaced.