Actuated scratchers for a tracked vehicle
A system and method for deploying scratchers for a tracked vehicle, such as a snowmobile, are described. The scratchers can be deployed in response to the engine temperature of the tracked vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the scratchers can be deployed via actuation of a switch by an operator.
1. A snowmobile comprising:
a main frame and a tunnel coupled to the main frame;
a skid frame assembly coupled to the tunnel, the skid frame assembly comprising:
a rear suspension;
at least one skid rail coupled to the rear suspension; and
at least one actuator having a scratcher coupled thereto, wherein the actuator has a deployed configuration and an undeployed configuration;
wherein, when a coolant is above a predetermined temperature, the actuator deploys the at least one scratcher to the deployed configuration; and, when the coolant is below a predetermined temperature, the actuator retracts the at least one scratcher to the undeployed configuration.
2. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the scratcher comprises at least a straight portion and a bent portion.
3. The snowmobile of claim 1 , further comprising a cooling system to cool an engine.
4. The snowmobile of claim 3 , further comprising a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the coolant.
5. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the scratcher is formed from spring-steel.
6. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is controlled by an engine control unit.
7. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the skid frame.
8. The snowmobile of claim 7 , wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the skid rail.
9. A snowmobile comprising:
a main frame and a tunnel coupled to the main frame;
a skid frame assembly coupled to the tunnel, the skid frame assembly comprising:
a rear suspension;
at least one skid rail coupled to the rear suspension; and
at least one actuator having a scratcher coupled thereto, wherein the actuator has a deployed configuration and an undeployed configuration;
wherein the actuator comprises a direct current motor.
10. The snowmobile of claim 9 , wherein the scratcher comprises at least a straight portion and a bent portion.
11. The snowmobile of claim 9 , further comprising a cooling system to cool an engine.
12. The snowmobile of claim 9 , wherein the at least one actuator is controlled by an engine control unit.
13. The snowmobile of claim 9 , wherein, when a coolant is above a predetermined temperature, the actuator deploys the at least one scratcher to the deployed configuration; and, when the coolant is below a predetermined temperature, the actuator retracts the at least one scratcher to the undeployed configuration.
14. A method for automatically deploying scratchers coupled to a snowmobile, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an engine;
providing at least one scratcher;
providing a temperature sensor;
determining, with the temperature sensor, the temperature of the engine; and
deploying the at least one scratcher when the temperature of the engine is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
15. A method for automatically deploying at least one scratcher coupled to a snowmobile, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an engine having a cooling system;
providing at least one scratcher;
providing a temperature sensor;
determining, with the temperature sensor, the temperature of a coolant within the coolant system; and
deploying the at least one scratcher when the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising retracting the at least one scratcher when the temperature of the coolant falls below a predetermined threshold.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising retracting the at least one scratcher when the snowmobile is placed in a reverse configuration.
18. The method of claim 15 , comprising further providing a manual switch and activating the manual switch to override deployment of the at least one scratcher regardless of the cooling system temperature.
19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising sensing a speed of the snowmobile and, when the speed is greater than a predetermined speed, the scratchers are deployed.
20. The method of claim 15 , further comprising sensing a speed of the snowmobile and, when the speed is less than the predetermined speed, the scratchers are then retracted.