Wheel-to-Track Conversion With Outboard Hub Adaptor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel-to-track conversion systems for steerable, all-wheel drive vehicles are complex, costly, and require significant manpower and time for conversion, with high maintenance needs due to numerous parts and complicated designs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified track assembly design that mounts to the wheel drive within a hub adaptor, allowing easy conversion by accessing the outboard side, reducing complexity and manpower requirements, and featuring a frame with inboard and outboard members, a bearing housing, hub adaptor, sprocket, idlers, and endless track for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel-to-track conversion systems are used, then the vehicle can be converted to track-driven operation, but the design becomes complicated with numerous parts and moving parts, increasing manufacturing costs, operational costs, and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into distinct modular components including a track frame, hub adaptor, sprocket, idlers, and endless track. Each component can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced, simplifying the overall system while maintaining conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub adaptor serves multiple functions: it connects the wheel drive to the sprocket, provides structural support for the track assembly, and enables the conversion from wheel-driven to track-driven operation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel-to-track conversion systems are used, then the vehicle can operate on various surfaces, but the number of parts increases, leading to higher maintenance needs and more opportunities for mechanical breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The essential conversion functionality is extracted into a self-contained track assembly unit that mounts to the wheel drive. This extraction creates a simplified system with fewer integration points and fewer opportunities for mechanical failures compared to conventional multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub adaptor is positioned within the track frame structure, and the sprocket is mounted within the hub adaptor. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing the overall number of external connections and potential failure points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel-to-track conversion systems are used, then the vehicle can be converted to track-driven operation, but significant manpower and time are required to remove existing wheels and replace them with tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is pre-assembled as a complete unit with the hub adaptor, sprocket, and track already integrated. This preliminary assembly allows the conversion process to simply involve mounting the pre-built assembly to the wheel drive, dramatically reducing conversion time and manpower requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wheel-to-track conversion systems are used, then the vehicle can be converted to track-driven operation, but manufacturing costs, operational costs, and maintenance costs increase due to complicated designs
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly is divided into distinct modular components including a track frame, hub adaptor, sprocket, idlers, and endless track. Each component can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced, simplifying the overall system while maintaining conversion capability.
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 simplified design lowers manufacturing, operational, and maintenance costs while providing a straightforward conversion process, enabling vehicles to operate on various surfaces with reduced mechanical breakdowns.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing housing is mounted to the outboard frame member. A hub adaptor is received by the bearing housing and is rotatable within the bearing housing.
Implementation Method 2
A sprocket is mounted to the hub adaptor. As the hub adaptor rotates within the bearing housing, the sprocket rotates within the center gap of the frame.
Implementation Method 3
A sprocket is mounted to the hub adaptor. As the hub adaptor rotates within the bearing housing, the sprocket rotates within the center gap of the frame.
Implementation Method 4
Idlers are rotatably connected to opposed ends of the frame. An endless track is routed over the sprocket and around the idlers.
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly mounted to a rotating wheel drive of a vehicle that includes a frame with inboard and outboard frame members having a center gap between them. A bearing housing is mounted to the outboard frame member. A hub adaptor has a peripheral wall forming a hollow interior that receives the wheel drive. Separate annular flanges are connected to and extend away from inner and outer surfaces of the peripheral wall and connect to the wheel drive and a sprocket surrounding the hub adaptor. As the hub adaptor rotates within the bearing housing, the sprocket rotates within the center gap of the frame. Idler are rotatably connected to opposed ends of the frame. An endless track is routed over the sprocket and around the idlers. The endless track engages with and is driven by rotation of the sprocket in order to circulate the track about the frame in a generally triangular path.