Variable Tensioning Device for Track Over Tire Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles experience tire slippage and restricted suspension movement due to the direct engagement of sprockets, which limits traction and mobility, and existing track-over-tire systems do not effectively manage tension to optimize these factors.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device is used to maintain optimal tension in an endless track around multiple axle vehicle tires, allowing for variable force application to reduce slippage and enhance traction and mobility, utilizing mechanical means and a slip-control processor to adjust tension based on vehicle parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct engagement of sprocket with track links is used, then vehicle propulsion is achieved, but track slippage relative to sprocket cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the sprocket and track links - specifically, drive wheels that contact the track's outer surface. This intermediary allows the sprocket to drive the drive wheels, which in turn propel the track, eliminating direct engagement issues and preventing track slippage relative to the propulsion mechanism.
2Reliability
If track tension is increased to reduce slippage, then traction is improved, but suspension movement is restricted or completely locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic tensioning device that automatically adjusts track tension based on suspension position. When suspension moves, the tensioning device reduces tension to allow full suspension travel; when suspension is stationary, tension is increased to prevent slippage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining traction and allowing suspension movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device is designed to self-adjust based on suspension movement without external intervention. The device monitors suspension position and automatically modulates track tension, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual tension adjustment or complex external control systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If constant high track tension is maintained, then track slippage is reduced, but fuel economy decreases and component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device applies track tension periodically rather than continuously - increasing tension only when needed (when suspension is stationary and slippage risk exists) and reducing tension when suspension is moving. This periodic action eliminates unnecessary energy consumption and component wear while maintaining traction when required.
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 significantly reduces tire slippage, increases vehicle traction, and allows for greater suspension travel, improving fuel economy and reducing wear on components by maintaining consistent track tension and adjusting as needed.
Implementation Method 1
maintain an optimal track tension, decreasing endless track slippage relative to the tires
Implementation Method 2
uses mechanical devices such as a constant pressure source from the vehicle pneumatic system and pressure relief valves
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of increasing the traction and mobility of a tandem axled vehicle by disposing an endless track 16 around the vehicle tires 18,20 and using a tensioning device 22 to impart a force on the endless track 16 to maintain an optimal track tension. The tensioning device 22 may impart a constant force, a force within a set range, or a variable force controlled by a processor 64 on the endless track 16. The processor 64 monitors vehicle parameters to determine if endless track slipping is occurring. The slip-control processor 64 sends signals to the tension device 22 to increase endless track tension when a track slip condition is sensed, and sends signals to decrease endless track tension when slipping is not occurring, thereby allowing for greater suspension movement and improving overall vehicle mobility.