Track wheel - a hybrid vehicle suspension system
by J. Batelaan
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 12, No. 5/6, 1991

Abstract: A description and analysis is presented of a new alternative vehicle suspension system with anticipated good all-terrain performance characteristics. A small-scale development project on track wheel has now reached the stage where early results can be reported which confirm expected features. Track wheels can be made with tracks of three different basic designs. Tracks of two designs can be fabricated using well-developed technology. Several prototype models were made and tested. Tracks of the third design, identified as 'spring track' are more difficult to make but hold the best promise of good vehicle suspension performance. An analysis of a track wheel with a spring track shows the relationship between track wheel load capacity, track deflection, track dimensions and material properties. It shows that spring tracks made from high tensile metals, or possibly from reinforced plastic composite materials, will in theory meet the suspension requirements in many vehicles. Anticipated spring track wheel performance is also described in terms of estimated rolling resistance and estimated dynamic suspension characteristics. It is suggested that further development of track wheel, and in particular of spring track, will lead to a major advance in vehicle suspension.

Online publication date: Tue, 27-May-2014

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