Patent ID: 7520575
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A tension management system for an endless track comprising: a biasing element generating a first force; a swing link having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion; a pivotal bracket, pivotally connected to a drive mechanism frame; a biasing arm, having a central longitudinal axis, a first end of the biasing arm connected to the biasing element and a second end connected to the pivotal bracket; an idler arm, having a central longitudinal axis, a first end of the idler arm connected to the pivotal bracket and a second end connected to the swing link; and an idler wheel, connected to the swing link; wherein a second force exerted by the idler arm at the connection between the swing link and the idler arm is greater than the first force generated by the biasing element; wherein the shape of the pivotal bracket is triangular and the idler arm, biasing arm, and drive mechanism frame are each connected to the pivotal bracket at a different corner; wherein the swing link is pivotally connected to the drive mechanism frame; and wherein the bottom portion of the swing link is pivotally connected to the drive mechanism frame, and the second end of the idler arm is pivotally connected to the top portion of the swing link.