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Dynamic tensioner locking device for a track system and method thereof

  • US 10,633,044 B2
  • Filed: 04/11/2016
  • Issued: 04/28/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling a tension in an endless track disposed around a plurality of wheels pivotally mounted on a support frame of a track system, the track system being operatively mounted to a vehicle, at least one of the plurality of wheels being operatively mounted to a dynamic tensioner, the dynamic tensioner including a fluid-based suspension element, the fluid-based suspension element being operatively mounted between the support frame and the at least one of the plurality of wheels so as to displace the at least one of the plurality of wheels relative to the support frame in order to control the tension in the endless track, the fluid-based suspension element including:

  • a cylinder;

    a piston that is reciprocally movable within the cylinder between an extended position and a retracted position, the piston sealingly engaging the cylinder for forming a variable volume chamber containing a liquid, the piston being movable between the extended position and the retracted position in a plurality of intermediate positions by changing a volume of the liquid contained within the chamber of the cylinder;

    a reservoir fluidly connected to the chamber of the cylinder, the reservoir simultaneously containing the liquid and a gas, the gas in the reservoir being under pressure and applying hydrostatic pressure to the liquid tending towards an increase in the volume of liquid within the chamber of the cylinder, biasing the piston towards the extended position;

    a conduit fluidly connecting the cylinder to the reservoir such that the liquid is displaceable between the chamber of the cylinder and the reservoir; and

    an inertial valve disposed in the conduit for controlling a flow of liquid in the conduit, the inertial valve being movable between an open position and a closed position;

    the method comprising;

    when an acceleration of the track system reaches a predetermined value, blocking the flow of liquid within the conduit by autonomously moving the inertial valve in the closed position for substantially maintaining a length of the dynamic tensioner; and

    when the acceleration of the track system is below the predetermined value, allowing the flow of liquid within the conduit by moving the inertial valve means in the open position for allowing variation of the length of the dynamic tensioner.

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