A track for traction of a vehicle is provided. The track comprises a ground-engaging outer side, an inner side opposite to the ground-engaging outer side, elastomeric material allowing the track to flex around wheels of the vehicle and a plurality of cores at least partially embedded in the elastomeric material. Each of the plurality of cores comprises a pair of wings extending in a longitudinal direction of the core, each wing of the pair comprising a delamination inhibitor configured to inhibit delamination of the elastomeric material from the wing, and a wheel engager disposed between the wings to engage the roller wheels. The delamination inhibitor provides a resistance to delamination of the elastomeric material of the track from cores at least partially embedded in the elastomeric material of the track.
A track for traction of a vehicle is provided. The track comprises an elastomeric belt-shaped body comprising an inner surface for facing wheels of the vehicle and a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground. The track also comprises a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface. An drive/guide lug may have a material composition defining an arrangement of zones of different materials which comprises a plurality of zones of different elastomeric materials. The drive/guide lug may exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., a modulus of elasticity or a coefficient of friction) across the arrangement of zones of different materials with respect to engagement with the wheels of the vehicle.
A track for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc.). The track being movable around a track-engaging assembly comprising a drive wheel to drive the track. In one embodiment, the track comprising: a carcass comprising a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground and an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface; and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface; wherein: a thickness of the carcass from the ground-engaging outer surface to the inner surface is no more than 0.20 inches; and a ratio of a widthwise rigidity of the carcass over a longitudinal rigidity of the carcass is at least 1.5.
A rubber composition based on: 65-80 wt% of an elastomeric material comprising a mixture of a polyisoprene, butadiene rubber, and polyolefin elastomer; 1-7 wt% MWCNT; 3-25 wt% carbon black; and 0-2 wt% fibers; wherein the wt% are based on the total weight the composition; the MWCNT having an average length ranging from 2-40 pm. Also disclosed is a rubber composition based on: 25-35 wt% of polyisoprene; 17-27 wt% of butadiene rubber; 3-9 wt% of polyolefin elastomer; 10-15 wt% of high styrene resin; 1-7 wt% of MWCNT; 3-25 wt% carbon black; and 0-2 wt% fibers. The composition is useful for manufacturing tracks or tires for vehicles, such as snowmobiles, snow bikes, All-Terrain Vehicles or Utility Terrain Vehicles. A track or tire for a vehicle comprising the rubber composition in vulcanized form is also disclosed.
The disclosure concerns a track for traction of a vehicle, the track configured to move around a plurality of wheels, the track comprising: a body having an inner side for facing the plurality of wheels and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground; and a plurality of projections protruding from the ground-engaging outer side of the body, the plurality of projections being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction; wherein at least one of the plurality of projections comprises a sipe.
There is provided a lateral oscillation system for a track system having a roller support beam couplable to roller wheels and a support assembly rigidly coupled to the frame of the track system. The roller support beam and support assembly are pivotally coupled or in a pivotal relationship such that the roller support beam is provided with roll rotation. The pivotal link or pivotal relationship can be between the roller wheel axles and/or embedded within the roller support beam to provide a lower pivot axis than conventional systems. A low pivot axis reduces the side swing and thus reduces the potential contact between the roller wheels and the guide lugs. The lateral oscillation system can provide a high degree of lateral oscillation without causing friction and/or heat build up when the track system experiences uneven loads.
The present disclosure concerns a track for traction of a vehicle, the track being mountable around a track-engaging assembly of the vehicle, the track-engaging assembly comprising a plurality of wheels, the track having a longitudinal direction and comprising a carcass comprising an outer ground-engaging side, an opposed inner wheel-facing side, and first and second lateral edges extending along the longitudinal direction between the outer and inner sides, the first and second lateral edges being spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the track; ground-receiving recesses are formed on at least one of the first and second lateral edges.
The present document relates to a conversion track system for vehicles with an axle that includes an undercarriage and a fitment kit. The undercarriage includes a track and track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track. The track-engaging assembly includes a frame with surfaces for receiving the fitment kit on a leading and trailing side of the drive wheel. The fitment kit includes an attachment bar that is couplable to an axle of the vehicle being retrofitted or converted to a track system and two horizontal flanges that are couplable to the frame on either side of the drive member. The track system can include an angular alignment system on the fitment kit to minimize or avoid the use of another angular alignment device, such as an alignment lever to provide an alignment between the undercarriage with the drive wheel mounted to the axle of the vehicle.
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system comprises a track and is designed to enhance how its track is tensioned, such as by including a plurality of tensioners that exert opposite forces on the track at its front and rear regions and/or lack hydraulic or pneumatic elements, allowing to reduce its dimensions (e.g., sizes of its components, “packaging” or envelope) and its weight, while protecting against ratcheting of the track, reducing its energy consumption, costs and/or maintenance requirements, increasing durability of the track, and/or improving other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle.
Monitoring vehicles comprising track systems or tires to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track systems or tires, such as an indication of a level of wear, a rupture like a break, a puncture, chunking, de-bonding, etc., which can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, to convey the information to a user (e.g., the operator); control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle, operation of a work implement, etc.); transmit the information to a remote party (e.g., a provider such as a manufacturer or distributor of the track systems or tires); etc.
A vehicle with a track system including a track for traction of the vehicle on a ground can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as a temperature and/or another characteristic of a wheel of the track system sensed by a sensor associated with that wheel, which can be used to inform a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle) and/or control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle), for properly aligning the track and/or other purposes. This may be useful, for example, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track and/or for various other reasons.
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system is reconfigurable, such as by rearranging or otherwise altering one or more components of the track system (e.g., wheels, pivots or other joints, frame members, etc., by changing their position, movability, etc.) and/or by repositioning the track system relative to a frame of the vehicle, which may be useful, for instance, to enhance performance of the vehicle (e.g., maximize or otherwise increase traction and/or pulling force (e.g., drawbar pull); improve steerability; etc.), ride quality (e.g., comfort), effects on the ground (e.g., minimize or otherwise reduce soil compaction and/or soil shear stress; provide headland protection; etc.), and/or other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle, and/or for various other purposes.
A track system for a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle), wherein the track system is configured to provide an indication that is representative of a pressure of a hydraulic fluid inside a tensioner while reducing oil leeks, oil contamination and improving durability of the track system. For instance, the track system includes a track that comprises a ground- engaging outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the ground-engaging outer surface, a track-engaging assembly configured to drive and guide the track around the track-engaging assembly and comprising a plurality of track-contacting wheels, a tensioner configured to control a tension of the track, and an indicator configured to convey an indication that is representative of a pressure of a hydraulic fluid inside the tensioner without contacting the hydraulic fluid.
A track system for traction of a vehicle in which the track system is designed to enhance durability (e.g., protect against abnormal wear and/or prevent premature failure) of a track and/or other components of the track system, traction, and/or other aspects of performance of the track system by improving alignment of the track, such as by aligning the track in a rear region (e.g., at a rear wheel) of the track system.
A track for a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) is configured to enhance traction and/or floatation on a ground (e.g., of an agricultural field) while reducing pressure (i.e., applying substantially no or less pressure) on a selected region of the ground (e.g., a planting row of the agricultural field, such as to reduce soil compaction for promoting plant growth) and/or to improve roading (e.g., travel faster on a road).
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) in which the track system is designed to enhance traction and/or ride quality (e.g., reduce vibrations), when travelling on a soft and/or uneven ground area (e.g., an agricultural field) and/or when roading, by providing an improved suspension functionality (e.g., with plural articulations and resilient effects).
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) in which the track system is designed to better perform when the vehicle is roading, travelling on a side hill or other inclined surface, is braking or undergoing other rim pull events, and/or in other situations, such as by enhancing load distribution (e.g., with wheels that can laterally oscillate and be wider) and/or track tensioning (e.g., with different tensioning stages).
A wheel assembly of a vehicle (e.g., a forklift or another material-handling vehicle) is monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheel assembly, which may be indicative of how the vehicle including the wheel assembly is used (e.g., a duty cycle of the vehicle and/or the wheel assembly), a state (e.g., a degree of wear) of the wheel assembly, loading and shocks on the wheel assembly, and/or a state of an environment (e.g., environmental temperature, a profile, compliance, or other condition of an underlying surface beneath the wheel assembly), and which may be, for example, conveyed to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle), transmitted to a remote party (e.g., a provider), and/or used to control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle). This may improve use, maintenance, safety and/or other aspects of the vehicle, including the wheel assembly.
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect a track of the track system by reducing stress induced in the track by the wheel. For example, a circumferential surface of the wheel may be uneven (e.g., curved) in a widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., to have a crown) and/or a covering of the wheel may be asymmetrical about a midpoint of the covering in the widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., include corners that are shaped differently).
Track systems for traction of a vehicle in which a spacing of laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems in a widthwise direction of the vehicle is adjustable. This may facilitate use of the vehicle in different conditions (e.g., in different field configurations, such as in different configurations of row crops, where the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle). For instance, the spacing of the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems may be adjustable while the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems are connected to a powertrain of the vehicle and/or without requiring use of additional parts (e.g. spacers).
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect against (e.g., prevent) accumulation of unwanted ground matter, such as mud, debris, water, etc., within the wheel, while enhancing visual appearance of the wheel. This may help to avoid or minimize mud buildup that may otherwise need to be drilled out before removing the wheel (e.g., for replacement or maintenance) and/or rust that may otherwise arise.
B62D 55/15 - Mounting devices, e.g. bushings, axles, bearings, sealings
B62D 55/088 - Endless-track unitsParts thereof with means to exclude or remove foreign matter e.g. sealing means, self-cleaning track links or sprockets, deflector plates or scrapers
B62D 55/32 - Assembly, disassembly, repair or servicing of endless-track systems
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system comprises a track and is designed to enhance how its track is tensioned, such as by including a plurality of tensioners that exert opposite forces on the track at its front and rear regions and/or lack hydraulic or pneumatic elements, allowing to reduce its dimensions (e.g., sizes of its components, "packaging" or envelope) and its weight, while protecting against ratcheting of the track, reducing its energy consumption, costs and/or maintenance requirements, increasing durability of the track, and/or improving other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle.
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system may be designed to enhance ride quality (e.g., comfort), stability, load distribution on the ground, manoeuvrability (e.g., steerability), adaptability to ground and/or working conditions, and/or other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle, such as by being movable relative to a frame of the vehicle (e.g., horizontally, vertically, and/or pivotally), resiliently supporting wheels of the track system (e.g., with elastomeric bushings or other components), and/or varying how much of the track engages the ground (e.g., reducing that to facilitate turning).
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system may be designed to enhance ride quality (e.g., comfort), stability, load distribution on the ground, manoeuvrability (e.g., steerability), adaptability to ground and/or working conditions, and/or other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle, such as by being movable relative to a frame of the vehicle (e.g., horizontally, vertically, and/or pivotally), resiliently supporting wheels of the track system (e.g., with elastomeric bushings or other components), and/or varying how much of the track engages the ground (e.g., reducing that to facilitate turning).
A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance.
A track for traction of a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle), a military vehicle, or another off-road vehicle, is provided. The track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The traction projections may be designed to enhance their resistance to deterioration during use. For example, a blowout resistance of each traction projection may be enhanced to prevent or at least reduce a potential for blowout of the traction projection under repeated loads which may induce heat buildup within it. Also, a wear resistance of the traction projection may be enhanced such that the traction projection wears less rapidly. A system for protecting a track against potential occurrence of blowout is also provided.
B60K 28/10 - Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
B60K 35/00 - Instruments specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
28.
MONITORING OF TRACK SYSTEM FOR TRACTION OF A VEHICLE
A vehicle with a track system including a track for traction of the vehicle on a ground can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as a temperature and/or another characteristic of a wheel of the track system sensed by a sensor of that wheel and/or a temperature and/or another characteristic of the track sensed by a sensor of the track, which can be used to inform a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle), assessing wear, vibration, and/or other aspects of the track system, evaluating use (e.g., a duty cycle), performance, and/or other aspects of the vehicle, and/or control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle), for properly aligning the track and/or other purposes. This may be useful, for example, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track and/or for various other reasons.
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
B62D 55/14 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
B60K 35/00 - Instruments specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
G01B 21/24 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for testing the alignment of axes for testing the alignment of axes
A track system for a vehicle on a ground, wherein the track system is reconfigurable, such as by rearranging or otherwise altering one or more components of the track system (e.g., wheels, pivots or other joints, frame members, etc., by changing their position, movability, etc.) and/or by repositioning the track system relative to a frame of the vehicle, which may be useful, for instance, to enhance performance of the vehicle (e.g., maximize or otherwise increase traction and/or pulling force (e.g., drawbar pull); improve steerability; etc.), ride quality (e.g., comfort), effects on the ground (e.g., minimize or otherwise reduce soil compaction and/or soil shear stress; provide headland protection; etc.), and/or other aspects of the track system and/or the vehicle, and/or for various other purposes.
A vehicle with a track system including a track for traction of the vehicle on a ground can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as a temperature and/or another characteristic of a wheel of the track system sensed by a sensor of that wheel and/or a temperature and/or another characteristic of the track sensed by a sensor of the track, which can be used to inform a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle), assessing wear, vibration, and/or other aspects of the track system, evaluating use (e.g., a duty cycle), performance, and/or other aspects of the vehicle, and/or control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle), for properly aligning the track and/or other purposes. This may be useful, for example, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track and/or for various other reasons.
A wheel for a vehicle is non-pneumatic (i.e., airless), may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle, and may be manufactured efficiently, including by a single non-pneumatic tire molding operation that can allow rigid rim incorporation and complex tread implementation.
A vehicle comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as an indication of a physical state of a track and/or other component of the track system based on at least on 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of a track system component.
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
B60W 50/14 - Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
34.
MONITORING OF TRACK SYSTEM FOR TRACTION OF A VEHICLE
e.ge.ge.ge.g., a speed of the vehicle), for properly aligning the track and/or other purposes. This may be useful, for example, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track and/or for various other reasons.
A vehicle with a track system including a track for traction of the vehicle on a ground can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as a temperature and/or another characteristic of a wheel of the track system sensed by a sensor associated with that wheel, which can be used to inform a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle) and/or control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle), for properly aligning the track and/or other purposes. This may be useful, for example, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track and/or for various other reasons.
Track systems for traction of a vehicle in which a spacing of laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems in a widthwise direction of the vehicle is adjustable. This may facilitate use of the vehicle in different conditions (e.g., in different field configurations, such as in different configurations of row crops, where the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle). For instance, the spacing of the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems may be adjustable while the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems are connected to a power train of the vehicle and/or without requiring use of additional parts (e.g. spacers).
A track system for traction of a vehicle in which the track system is designed to enhance durability (e.g., protect against abnormal wear and/or prevent premature failure) of a track and/or other components of the track system, traction, and/or other aspects of performance of the track system by improving alignment of the track, such as by aligning the track in a rear region (e.g., at a rear wheel) of the track system.
A track system for traction of a vehicle in which the track system is designed to enhance durability (e.g., protect against abnormal wear and/or prevent premature failure) of a track and/or other components of the track system, traction, and/or other aspects of performance of the track system by improving alignment of the track, such as by aligning the track in a rear region (e.g., at a rear wheel) of the track system.
A track for a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) is configured to enhance traction and/or floatation on a ground (e.g., of an agricultural field) while reducing pressure (i.e., applying substantially no or less pressure) on a selected region of the ground (e.g., a planting row of the agricultural field, such as to reduce soil compaction for promoting plant growth) and/or to improve roading (e.g., travel faster on a road).
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) in which the track system is designed to enhance traction and/or ride quality (e.g., reduce vibrations), when travelling on a soft and/or uneven ground area (e.g., an agricultural field) and/or when roading, by providing an improved suspension functionality (e.g., with plural articulations and resilient effects).
ABSTRACT A track for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile), in which the track is studded, i.e., comprises studs, to enhance its traction, including to optimize acceleration, control, and/or braking of the vehicle, such as, for example, by increasing engagement of the studs with a ground on which the vehicle travels (e.g., increasing their number and/or exposure) and/or improving retention of the studs in the track (e.g., better orienting and/or anchoring them), while being lightweight, reducing noise, and/or withstanding high speeds. 47 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-22
A track for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile), in which the track is studded, i.e., comprises studs, to enhance its traction, including to optimize acceleration, control, and/or braking of the vehicle, such as, for example, by increasing engagement of the studs with a ground on which the vehicle travels (e.g., increasing their number and/or exposure) and/or improving retention of the studs in the track (e.g., better orienting and/or anchoring them), while being lightweight, reducing noise, and/or withstanding high speeds.
A method for managing a drive mode of a tracked vehicle, comprising the step of reading an output of a sensor and in response to the output of the sensor performing a control action to manage the drive mode of the vehicle.
B62D 55/12 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of driving sprockets
B62D 55/32 - Assembly, disassembly, repair or servicing of endless-track systems
B60W 10/06 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of combustion engines
B60W 40/10 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to vehicle motion
44.
Systems and methods for monitoring vehicles with tires
A vehicle comprising wheels having tires can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheels, such as an indication of a physical state of a tire and/or other component of the wheel based on at least 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of the tire and/or other wheel component.
A non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle or other machine. The non-pneumatic tire may comprise an annular beam. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of layers of different elastomeric materials. The annular beam may be free of a substantially inextensible reinforcing layer running in a circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. The annular beam may comprise a plurality of openings distributed in the circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire. Such an annular beam may be part of other annular devices.
B60C 9/18 - Structure or arrangement of belts or breakers, crown-reinforcing or cushioning layers
B60C 7/18 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency using springs of helical or flat coil form disposed radially relative to wheel axis
B60C 7/10 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency
46.
Systems and methods for monitoring off-road vehicles
A vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle or other off-road vehicle) comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as one or more parameters (e.g., a temperature, a pressure, an acceleration, an identifier, etc.) of the track system and/or one or more characteristics of an environment of the track system (e.g., a compliance, a profile, a soil moisture level, etc. of the ground beneath the track system), which can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, to: convey the information to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle); control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle, operation of a work implement, etc.); transmit the information to a remote party (e.g., a provider such as a manufacturer or distributor of the track system and/or of the vehicle; a supplier of a substance such as fertilizer used where the vehicle is located; etc.); control equipment (e.g., an irrigation system, a fertilizing system, etc.) external to the vehicle; etc.
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
B60K 31/00 - Vehicle fittings, acting on a single sub-unit only, for automatically controlling vehicle speed, i.e. preventing speed from exceeding an arbitrarily established velocity or maintaining speed at a particular velocity, as selected by the vehicle operator
B62D 55/06 - Endless-track vehicles with tracks and without ground wheels
G01K 13/06 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving solid bodies in linear movement
G01C 22/00 - Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers or using pedometers
G07C 5/02 - Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
A wheel assembly of a vehicle (e.g., a forklift or another material-handling vehicle) is monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheel assembly, which may be indicative of how the vehicle including the wheel assembly is used (e.g., a duty cycle of the vehicle and/or the wheel assembly), a state (e.g., a degree of wear) of the wheel assembly, loading and shocks on the wheel assembly, and/or a state of an environment (e.g., environmental temperature, a profile, compliance, or other condition of an underlying surface beneath the wheel assembly), and which may be, for example, conveyed to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle), transmitted to a remote party (e.g., a provider), and/or used to control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle). This may improve use, maintenance, safety and/or other aspects of the vehicle, including the wheel assembly.
B60K 35/00 - Instruments specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
B60S 5/00 - Servicing, maintaining, repairing, or refitting of vehicles
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) in which the track system is designed to better perform when the vehicle is roading, travelling on a side hill or other inclined surface, is braking or undergoing other rim pull events, and/or in other situations, such as by enhancing load distribution (e.g., with wheels that can laterally oscillate and be wider) and/or track tensioning (e.g., with different tensioning stages).
A wheel assembly of a vehicle (e.g., a forklift or another material-handling vehicle) is monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheel assembly, which may be indicative of how the vehicle including the wheel assembly is used (e.g., a duty cycle of the vehicle and/or the wheel assembly), a state (e.g., a degree of wear) of the wheel assembly, loading and shocks on the wheel assembly, and/or a state of an environment (e.g., environmental temperature, a profile, compliance, or other condition of an underlying surface beneath the wheel assembly), and which may be, for example, conveyed to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle), transmitted to a remote party (e.g., a provider), and/or used to control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle). This may improve use, maintenance, safety and/or other aspects of the vehicle, including the wheel assembly.
B60C 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
B60C 7/24 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for securing tyres on rim or wheel body
B60C 23/04 - Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
B60C 23/06 - Signalling devices actuated by deformation of the tyre
B60C 23/20 - Devices for measuring or signalling tyre temperature
B66F 9/06 - Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
B60K 35/29 - Instruments characterised by the way in which information is handled, e.g. showing information on plural displays or prioritising information according to driving conditions
B60K 35/80 - Arrangements for controlling instruments
An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The endless track a plurality of elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. An elastomeric lug may have a material composition defining an arrangement of zones of different materials which comprises a plurality of zones of different elastomeric materials, may exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a sacrificial zone or a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug may comprise an uneven drive surface, such as an angled or curved surface, for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel of the vehicle.
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a compact track loader or other construction vehicle) which may be designed to improve ride quality (e.g., reduce vibrations) for an operator and/or enhance other aspects of its performance or that of the vehicle. For example, a track of the track system may be frictionally driven and without transversal rigid parts (e.g., metallic cores). Also, power generation and transmission functions may be implemented by the track system. For instance, a motor and a transmission may be at least mostly contained within the track system.
A track system for traction of a vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc. The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may be configured to facilitate adjustment of certain aspects of its operation, including, for example, how it is positioned and/or can move relative to a frame of the vehicle, based on one or more factors, such as, for instance, a user's preferences (e.g., riding style, desire to “feel” the ground, etc.), an environment of the track system (e.g., a profile of the ground, such as a slope or steepness or a levelness of the ground; a compliance of the ground, such as a softness or hardness of the ground, etc.), a state of the track system (e.g., a speed and/or a direction of motion of the track, etc.), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed and/or direction of the vehicle, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor. For instance, the track system may comprise a control mechanism configured to adjust an anti-rotation device that is configured to restrict movement of the track system relative to the frame of the vehicle. The control mechanism may be configured to adjust the anti-rotation device in response to a command, which may be input via a user interface or automatically generated by a controller.
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc.). The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may have various features to enhance its traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, including, for example, a lightweight design, enhanced tractive effects, an enhanced heat management capability, an enhanced resistance to lateral skidding (e.g., on a side hill), an adaptive capability to adapt itself to different conditions (e.g., ground conditions, such as different types of snow, soil, etc.; and/or other conditions), an adjustability of a contact area of its track with the ground, and/or other features.
A track system for traction of an off-road vehicle such as a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The track system comprises a track-engaging assembly and a track disposed around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may be configured to have a reduced noise profile so as to generate less noise, enhanced track rigidity characteristics to improve its traction and floatation, and/or other features improving use and performance of the off-road vehicle.
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
B62D 55/04 - Endless-track vehicles with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless-track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa
B62D 55/065 - Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks
B62D 55/14 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
A track system of a vehicle can be monitored (e.g., during operation of the vehicle) to obtain information about the track system which can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, to convey the information about the track system to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle) and/or to control the vehicle, for instance, by controlling a speed of the vehicle depending on a state (e.g., a temperature and/or one or more other physical characteristics) of the track system. This may be useful, for example, to gain knowledge about a track of the track system, to help prevent rapid wear or other deterioration of the track of the track system (e.g., blowout), and/or to adapt how fast or slow the vehicle moves in order to protect the track of the track system while permitting the speed of the vehicle to be greater over short periods (e.g., when travelling on or crossing roads or other particular areas).
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
B62D 55/14 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
A wheel for a vehicle, such as a forklift (e.g., an electric forklift) or another material-handling vehicle, in which the wheel comprises a tire (e.g., a non-pneumatic tire) and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle, including, for example, to exhibit less rolling resistance, be more energy-efficient and/or allow the vehicle to travel faster and/or with improved ride comfort. For instance, elastic deformation of the wheel as it rolls may be better managed (e.g., reduced), which may improve thermal behavior of the wheel and/or may be combined with ways to better distribute or dissipate heat (e.g., by increasing thermal conductivity).
A resistance to wear, “edge-cutting” or other deterioration of a track for a vehicle and/or other aspects of the track may be enhanced, including by enhancing internal reinforcements (e.g., cores) of the track, such as by providing certain flexibility characteristics to these internal reinforcements of the track, and/or by monitoring the track and controlling the vehicle, notifying a user, etc.
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect a track of the track system by reducing stress induced in the track by the wheel. For example, a circumferential surface of the wheel may be uneven (e.g., curved) in a widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., to have a crown) and/or a covering of the wheel may be asymmetrical about a midpoint of the covering in the widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., include corners that are shaped differently).
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect a track of the track system by reducing stress induced in the track by the wheel. For example, a circumferential surface of the wheel may be uneven (e.g., curved) in a widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., to have a crown) and/or a covering of the wheel may be asymmetrical about a midpoint of the covering in the widthwise direction of the wheel (e.g., include corners that are shaped differently).
A track system for traction of a vehicle is controllable, including while the vehicle is in motion, notably to control how the track system is positioned and moves relative to at least part of a frame of the vehicle other than for steering the vehicle, based on one or more factors, including: an environment of the track, position and orientation of the track system relative to the frame of the vehicle, speed of the track system, speed of the vehicle, user's preferences and other suitable factors.
A track for traction of a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle), a military vehicle, or another off-road vehicle, is provided. The track comprises a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface and distributed in a longitudinal direction of the track. The traction projections may be designed to enhance their resistance to deterioration during use. For example, a blowout resistance of each traction projection may be enhanced to prevent or at least reduce a potential for blowout of the traction projection under repeated loads which may induce heat buildup within it. Also, a wear resistance of the traction projection may be enhanced such that the traction projection wears less rapidly. A system for protecting a track against potential occurrence of blowout is also provided.
B60K 28/10 - Safety devices for propulsion-unit control, specially adapted for, or arranged in, vehicles, e.g. preventing fuel supply or ignition in the event of potentially dangerous conditions responsive to conditions relating to the vehicle
B60K 35/00 - Instruments specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
G07C 5/08 - Registering or indicating performance data other than driving, working, idle, or waiting time, with or without registering driving, working, idle, or waiting time
A track for traction of an off-road vehicle such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, a snowmobile, or another vehicle operable off-road. The track is mountable around a track-engaging assembly including a drive wheel for driving the track. The track is elastomeric to be flexible around the track-engaging assembly. The track includes an inner surface for facing the track-engaging assembly, a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground, and a plurality of traction projections projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. The track may have various features to enhance its traction, its floatation, and/or other aspects relating to use and performance of a track system of the vehicle.
A wheel for a track system for traction of a vehicle, in which the wheel may be designed to enhance its lubrication while facilitating its manufacturing (e.g., by eliminating one or more welds and/or reducing its number of parts).
An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The endless track comprises an elastomeric belt-shaped body comprising an inner surface for facing wheels of the vehicle and a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground. The endless track also comprises a plurality of elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. An elastomeric lug may have a material composition defining an arrangement of zones of different materials which comprises a plurality of zones of different elastomeric materials. The elastomeric lug may exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., a modulus of elasticity) across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a sacrificial zone or a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug may comprise an uneven drive surface, such as an angled or curved surface, for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel of the vehicle.
A track system for traction of a vehicle comprising a track to engage the ground and comprising elastomeric material, a ground-engaging outer side and an inner side opposite to the ground-engaging outer side. The track system also comprises a track-engaging arrangement for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging arrangement, which comprises: a drive wheel for movement of the track; a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler wheel spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track system, and a plurality of roller wheels between the idler wheels. The track system also comprises a frame supporting the idler and roller wheels. The track system also comprises a plurality of mounts spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the track system to interconnect the frame of the track system to the vehicle frame, and allow movement of the frame of the track system relative to the vehicle frame.
A wheel for a vehicle in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed for robust, long-lasting performance in challenging conditions, including by using a process to make the non-pneumatic tire that may be specified such that a material of the non-pneumatic tire retains most or all of its inherent capabilities. For example, an annular beam and an annular support of the non-pneumatic tire may be injection molded together from elastomeric material flowing first where at least part of the annular beam is before flowing where at least part of the annular support is (e.g., using a molding apparatus that comprises a mold including a mold cavity and outer gating to inject thermoplastic material at an outer part of the mold into the mold cavity adjacent to where the annular beam is to be formed).
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect against (e.g., prevent) accumulation of unwanted ground matter, such as mud, debris, water, etc., within the wheel, while enhancing visual appearance of the wheel. This may help to avoid or minimize mud buildup that may otherwise need to be drilled out before removing the wheel (e.g., for replacement or maintenance) and/or rust that may otherwise arise.
B62D 55/088 - Endless-track unitsParts thereof with means to exclude or remove foreign matter e.g. sealing means, self-cleaning track links or sprockets, deflector plates or scrapers
A wheel of a track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle) may be configured to protect against (e.g., prevent) accumulation of unwanted ground matter, such as mud, debris, water, etc., within the wheel, while enhancing visual appearance of the wheel. This may help to avoid or minimize mud buildup that may otherwise need to be drilled out before removing the wheel (e.g., for replacement or maintenance) and/or rust that may otherwise arise.
B62D 55/088 - Endless-track unitsParts thereof with means to exclude or remove foreign matter e.g. sealing means, self-cleaning track links or sprockets, deflector plates or scrapers
An auxiliary track device for movement of a vehicle. The auxiliary track device may enhance traction and/or floatation of the vehicle, such as, for example, by being installable on the vehicle to convert the vehicle into a tracked one and/or by being deployable to engage the ground in certain situations, including where additional traction and/or floatation may be desirable based on an environment of the vehicle such as one or more characteristics of the ground (e.g., a compliance, such as a softness or hardness, a slipperiness, a soil compatibility, and/or a profile of the ground), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle, loading carried by the vehicle, etc.), a user's preferences (e.g., ride quality, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor. The auxiliary track device may be used only for traction and/or floatation of the vehicle or may be part of an implement to perform work with the vehicle.
A01B 51/02 - Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus propelled by a motor
A01B 59/043 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor supported at three points, e.g. by quick-release couplings
A01B 59/06 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors
A01B 59/042 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor
A01B 76/00 - Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups
B62D 55/06 - Endless-track vehicles with tracks and without ground wheels
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc.) may be designed (e.g., may comprise non-pneumatic tires) to enhance its use or performance and/or that of the vehicle such as, for example, by being lightweight and/or by better handling loads, including, for instance, those resulting from track tension within the track system and/or from unevenness or other aspects of the ground, including encounters (e.g., impacts) with obstacles on the ground (e.g., rocks, portions of trees, debris, bumps, abrupt changes in ground level, etc.). The track system may comprise tension-based non-pneumatic tires.
An endless track for traction of an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The endless track comprises an elastomeric belt-shaped body comprising an inner surface for facing wheels of the vehicle and a ground-engaging outer surface for engaging the ground. The endless track also comprises a plurality of elastomeric lugs, such as drive/guide lugs projecting from the inner surface and/or traction lugs projecting from the ground-engaging outer surface. An elastomeric lug may have a material composition defining an arrangement of zones of different materials which comprises a plurality of zones of different elastomeric materials. The elastomeric lug may exhibit a desired variation of a material property (e.g., a modulus of elasticity) across the arrangement of zones of different materials. A zone of the elastomeric lug may have a dedicated function, such as a sacrificial zone or a wear indicator zone. An elastomeric drive lug may comprise an uneven drive surface, such as an angled or curved surface, for engaging a drive member of a drive wheel of the vehicle.
A standard component of a vehicle equippable with a plurality of wheels or a plurality of track systems for engaging the ground, such as an axle housing or a frame of the vehicle, comprises a connector dedicated to connecting a given one of the track systems to the vehicle and provided during original manufacturing of the standard component of the vehicle. This may facilitate installation of the track systems on the vehicle.
B62D 55/04 - Endless-track vehicles with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless-track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa
B60B 35/16 - Torque-transmitting axles characterised by the axle housings for the torque transmitting elements, e.g. for shafts
B62D 21/18 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted characterised by the vehicle type and not provided for in groups
B62D 27/02 - Connections between superstructure sub-units rigid
B62D 55/065 - Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks
B62D 55/084 - Endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track units
A track for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a compact track loader or other construction vehicle) which may be designed to enhance a resistance to wear of the track, including a resistance to cracking of elastomeric material of the track and a resistance to delamination of the elastomeric material of the track from cores at least partially embedded in the elastomeric material of the track.
A wheel for a vehicle is non-pneumatic (i.e., airless), may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle, and may be manufactured efficiently, including by a single non-pneumatic tire molding operation that can allow rigid rim incorporation and complex tread implementation.
A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel includes a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as by being more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear during use). The non-pneumatic tire includes an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire and an annular support extending radially inwardly from the annular beam and configured to support loading by tension. An elastomeric material of at least one of the annular beam and the annular support may have selected properties, including greater crack propagation resistance when subject to tensile stress.
B60C 7/18 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency using springs of helical or flat coil form disposed radially relative to wheel axis
B60C 1/00 - Tyres characterised by the chemical composition or the physical arrangement or mixture of the composition
B60C 7/14 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency using springs
B60C 11/00 - Tyre tread bandsTread patternsAnti-skid inserts
B60C 7/10 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc.). The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may have features to enhance its traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, including the track that may comprise reinforcing material (e.g., reinforcing polymeric material) that is stronger (e.g., stiffer, harder, and/or more resistant to wear) than elastomeric material of the track, such as to improve rigidity characteristics of the track, reduce noise generated by the track system, improve a resistance to wear of the track, and/or reduce a weight of the track. The reinforcing material may be provided as one or more thin layers constituting at least part (e.g., of a periphery) of one or more components of the track (e.g., a carcass, traction projections, and/or drive/guide lugs).
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance.
A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a vehicle, such as a vehicle that is steerable and/or otherwise movable by leaning the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle), in which the non-pneumatic tire may be designed to enhance its use and performance, including, for example, to avoid sudden failure, improve steering and/or other movement of the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is leaned and the non-pneumatic tire is cambered), improve ride comfort, and/or exhibit less rolling resistance.
A vehicle comprising wheels having tires can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheels, such as an indication of a physical state of a tire and/or other component of the wheel based on at least 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of the tire and/or other wheel component.
A vehicle comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as an indication of a physical state of a track and/or other component of the track system based on at least on 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of a track system component.
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
A vehicle comprising wheels having tires can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the wheels, such as an indication of a physical state of a tire and/or other component of the wheel based on at least 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of the tire and/or other wheel component.
A vehicle comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as an indication of a physical state of a track and/or other component of the track system based on at least on 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of a track system component.
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
A track assembly for providing traction to an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or another work vehicle, in which the track assembly may comprise a suspension between a frame of the track assembly and a bogie carrying roller wheels of the track assembly.
A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) etc.). The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may have features to enhance its traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, including the track that may comprise reinforcing material (e.g., reinforcing polymeric material) that is stronger (e.g., stiffer, harder, and/or more resistant to wear) than elastomeric material of the track, such as to improve rigidity characteristics of the track, reduce noise generated by the track system, improve a resistance to wear of the track, enhance heat management (e.g., improve heat dissipation or reduce heat build- up) within the track, and/or reduce a weight of the track. The reinforcing material may be provided as one or more thin layers constituting at least part (e.g., of a periphery) of one or more components of the track (e.g., a carcass, traction projections, and/or drive/guide lugs).
A wheel for a vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or other off-road vehicle) or other device, in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire and may be designed to enhance its use and performance and/or use and performance of the vehicle or other device, including, for example, to be able to be used longer and/or in more challenging conditions, such as, for instance, by being more thermally efficient (e.g., to avoid or reduce adverse effects such as rapid degradation in material properties that could otherwise arise due to excessive temperatures) and/or more resistant to cracking or other damage which could lead to premature failure (e.g., due to manufacturing artifacts and/or rocks and other hazards that can cut, chip, or tear it during use).
B60C 7/18 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency using springs of helical or flat coil form disposed radially relative to wheel axis
B60C 7/10 - Non-inflatable or solid tyres characterised by means for increasing resiliency
A wheel comprising a non-pneumatic tire for a road vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, in which the wheel may avoid sudden failure, improve hydroplaning and/or other wet traction performance, provide more ride comfort, generate less noise, exhibit less rolling resistance, enhance stiffness characteristics for maneuvers, and/or have sensing capabilities. The non-pneumatic tire may comprise: an annular beam configured to deflect at a contact patch of the non-pneumatic tire with a road; and an annular support disposed radially inwardly of the annular beam and configured to resiliently deform as the non-pneumatic tire engages the road.
A track assembly for traction of a tracked vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, an industrial vehicle (e.g., a construction vehicle) or a military vehicle, is provided. The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels which comprises a drive wheel and a plurality of roller wheels, as well as an elastomeric endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging the ground. A roller wheel may comprise a wheel body and a covering on the wheel body. The covering may comprise a lateral portion dimensioned to contact a drive/guide lug of the track. The roller wheels and the track may implement a self-alignment system of the track assembly. The track assembly may comprise a cooling system for transferring heat away from a roller wheel. The track assembly may comprise a lateral motion mechanism allowing a roller wheel to move widthwise in response to a side load.
B62D 55/14 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of rollers
B62D 55/12 - Arrangement, location, or adaptation of driving sprockets
B62D 65/00 - Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
B62D 55/15 - Mounting devices, e.g. bushings, axles, bearings, sealings
B62D 55/24 - Tracks of continuously-flexible type, e.g. rubber belts
A track assembly for providing traction to an off-road vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or another work vehicle, in which the track assembly may comprise a suspension between a frame of the track assembly and a bogie carrying roller wheels of the track assembly.
A resistance to wear, "edge-cutting" or other deterioration of a track for a vehicle and/or other aspects of the track may be enhanced, including by enhancing internal reinforcements (e.g., cores) of the track, such as by providing certain flexibility characteristics to these internal reinforcements of the track, and/or by monitoring the track and controlling the vehicle, notifying a user, etc.
A resistance to wear, "edge-cutting" or other deterioration of a track for a vehicle and/or other aspects of the track may be enhanced, including by enhancing internal reinforcements (e.g., cores) of the track, such as by providing certain flexibility characteristics to these internal reinforcements of the track, and/or by monitoring the track and controlling the vehicle, notifying a user, etc.
A wheel for a vehicle in which the wheel comprises a non-pneumatic tire that may be designed for robust, long-lasting performance in challenging conditions, including by using a process to make the non-pneumatic tire that may be specified such that a material of the non-pneumatic tire retains most or all of its inherent capabilities. For example, an annular beam and an annular support of the non-pneumatic tire may be injection molded together from elastomeric material flowing first where at least part of the annular beam is before flowing where at least part of the annular support is (e.g., using a molding apparatus that comprises a mold including a mold cavity and outer gating to inject thermoplastic material at an outer part of the mold into the mold cavity adjacent to where the annular beam is to be formed).
A vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle or other off-road vehicle) comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as one or more parameters (e.g., a temperature, a pressure, an acceleration, an identifier, etc.) of the track system and/or one or more characteristics of an environment of the track system (e.g., a compliance, a profile, a soil moisture level, etc. of the ground beneath the track system), which can be used for various purposes, such as, for example, to: convey the information to a user (e.g., an operator of the vehicle); control the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle, operation of a work implement, etc.); transmit the information to a remote party (e.g., a provider such as a manufacturer or distributor of the track system and/or of the vehicle; a supplier of a substance such as fertilizer used where the vehicle is located; etc.); control equipment (e.g., an irrigation system, a fertilizing system, etc.) external to the vehicle; etc.
B60W 40/00 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit
B60W 40/12 - Estimation or calculation of driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit related to parameters of the vehicle itself
B60W 50/14 - Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
G01N 37/00 - Details not covered by any other group of this subclass
G01V 9/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods not provided for in groups
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
A track system for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)) in which the track system is configured to enhance traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, such as, for example, to maintain proper contact with the ground (e.g., even if it is cambered) and/or to better absorb shocks when it encounters obstacles on the ground.
A track system for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)) in which the track system is configured to enhance traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, such as, for example, to maintain proper contact with the ground (e.g., even if it is cambered) and/or to better absorb shocks when it encounters obstacles on the ground.
An auxiliary track device for movement of a vehicle. The auxiliary track device may enhance traction and/or floatation of the vehicle, such as, for example, by being installable on the vehicle to convert the vehicle into a tracked one and/or by being deployable to engage the ground in certain situations, including where additional traction and/or floatation may be desirable based on an environment of the vehicle such as one or more characteristics of the ground (e.g., a compliance, such as a softness or hardness, a slipperiness, a soil compatibility, and/or a profile of the ground), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed of the vehicle, loading carried by the vehicle, etc.), a user's preferences (e.g., ride quality, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor. The auxiliary track device may be used only for traction and/or floatation of the vehicle or may be part of an implement to perform work with the vehicle.
