Track belt tension management system
US6024183A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A track belt tensioning management system is provided for actively adjusting the tension on a track belt in response to the difference in linear output speed between a drive wheel and the track belt. This is accomplished by sensing the speeds of the drive wheel and the track belt and delivering the sensed signals to a controller which processes the signals and determines the difference in their respective linear output speeds. If the difference varies from a predetermined value, the controller directs appropriate signals to a hydraulic valve arrangement which controllably directs pressurized fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator arrangement to adjust the tension between the drive wheel and the track belt. The subject arrangement maintains sufficient frictional force between the drive wheel and the belt to control the slip therebetween as required while at the same time limiting the forces in order to reduce premature failures and/or wear on the track belt and other associated components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.