Variable Tread Width Track Vehicle via Movable Drive Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles require time-consuming disassembly and multiple kits to adjust tread width, which reduces productivity and increases costs due to the need for various kits for different tread widths.
Innovation Solution
A variable tread width system for work vehicles that allows adjustment without disassembling the gear box, using a drive wheel and saddle assembly movable relative to the differential gear case, enabling multiple tread widths without additional kits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gear box is disassembled and spacers and shafts are inserted to adjust tread width, then the tread width can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheel is made movable relative to the differential gear case, allowing dynamic adjustment of tread width by shifting the drive wheel along the track rather than disassembling the gear box. This dynamic repositioning enables quick tread width changes without time-consuming disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread width adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: the drive wheel can be independently repositioned relative to the differential gear case, and the saddle assembly can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately, simplifying the overall adjustment process and reducing time requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple kits of spacers and shafts are used to achieve various tread widths, then different tread widths can be obtained, but the cost increases and storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheel and saddle assembly serve multiple functions: they provide both propulsion and tread width adjustment capabilities. By making these existing components movable rather than using separate adjustment kits, the system achieves versatility without requiring multiple specialized kits for different tread widths.
Solution Approach 2:
The tread width adjustment function is merged with the existing drive wheel and saddle assembly components rather than requiring separate adjustment kits. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple kits while achieving the same adaptability, reducing both cost and storage requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the drive wheel and saddle assembly are made movable relative to the differential gear case, then tread width can be adjusted without disassembly, but the structural complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive wheel and saddle assembly are designed with movable connections to the differential gear case, allowing dynamic repositioning for tread width adjustment. This dynamic design enables easy operation through simple repositioning actions rather than complex disassembly procedures, despite the increased structural complexity of movable joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable tread width system is disclosed for a track work vehicle. The track work vehicle has a differential gear case and at least one axle shaft. The variable tread width system includes a drive wheel removably coupled to the axle shaft to receive a torque to drive the track. The drive wheel is movable relative to the axle shaft between a first orientation and a second orientation. The system also includes a saddle assembly coupled to the differential gear case. The saddle assembly includes at least one rail movable relative to the differential gear case, and the saddle assembly is movable independently of the drive wheel. The drive wheel cooperates with the saddle assembly to define a plurality of tread widths for the track work vehicle.