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.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice-versa. The wheel permits a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheel-track consists of several main components: an outer tire/tread, drive mechanisms for the wheel and track, support mechanisms for the outer tread when in either wheel mode or track mode, and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from a wheel to a track and vice-versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transition from wheel to track and vice-versa, and securely maintain each shape.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice-versa. The wheel permits a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheel-track consists of several main components: an outer tire/tread, drive mechanisms for the wheel and track, support mechanisms for the outer tread when in either wheel mode or track mode, and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from a wheel to a track and vice-versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transition from wheel to track and vice-versa, and securely maintain each shape.

A track system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle, the track system comprising a drive sprocket including a hub structured to be connected to the drive axle, a plurality of teeth radially outward of the hub, a rim at least indirectly attached to the hub, the rim including: a body, a body outer surface, a recess in the rim body inward of the body outer surface, a resiliently deformable ring disposed in the recess, the ring structured and arranged with respect to the body so as to be less rigid than the body, a resiliently deformable tread extending outwardly of the rim-outer surface, the tread connected to the ring, a resiliently deformable track disposed around the drive sprocket, the track having a track-inner surface in contact with the tread.

A track system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a drive axle, the track system comprising a drive sprocket including a hub structured to be connected to the drive axle, a plurality of teeth radially outward of the hub, a rim at least indirectly attached to the hub, the rim including: a body, a body outer surface, a recess in the rim body inward of the body outer surface, a resiliently deformable ring disposed in the recess, the ring structured and arranged with respect to the body so as to be less rigid than the body, a resiliently deformable tread extending outwardly of the rim-outer surface, the tread connected to the ring, a resiliently deformable track disposed around the drive sprocket, the track having a track-inner surface in contact with the tread.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.

A tracked vehicle is provided. The tracked vehicle includes a frame, a driving mechanism installed in the frame, and two track wheels respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the frame. The driving mechanism drives the track wheels to rotate. The track wheel includes a track body, a first main support, a second main support and a third main support provided in the track body. The first main support, the second main support and the third main support are connected to the vehicle frame through the first, second and third connecting rods respectively. The second main support is provided with an auxiliary support frame having one end hinged to the second main support, and the other end of the auxiliary support frame is provided with a first roller contacting with the inner side of the track body.

A tracked vehicle is provided. The tracked vehicle includes a frame, a driving mechanism installed in the frame, and two track wheels respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the frame. The driving mechanism drives the track wheels to rotate. The track wheel includes a track body, a first main support, a second main support and a third main support provided in the track body. The first main support, the second main support and the third main support are connected to the vehicle frame through the first, second and third connecting rods respectively. The second main support is provided with an auxiliary support frame having one end hinged to the second main support, and the other end of the auxiliary support frame is provided with a first roller contacting with the inner side of the track body.