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 tunnel;
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 at least one actuator is controlled by an engine control unit.
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 a coolant.
5. The snowmobile of claim 3 , wherein, when the coolant is above a predetermined temperature, the actuator deploys the at least one scratcher to the deployed configuration.
6. The snowmobile of claim 5 , wherein, when the coolant is below a predetermined temperature, the actuator retracts the at least one scratcher to the undeployed configuration.
7. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a direct current motor.
8. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the scratcher is formed from spring-steel.
9. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the skid frame.
10. The snowmobile of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the skid rail.
11. A snowmobile comprising:
a tunnel;
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 at least one actuator is controlled by an engine control unit,
wherein the snowmobile further comprises a selector switch.
12. The snowmobile of claim 11 , wherein the selector switch comprises a 3-position selector switch.
13. The snowmobile of claim 12 , wherein the 3-position selector switch comprises a retract configuration, a deploy configuration, and an auto 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, the scratcher capable of being in a deployed or undeployed configuration; and
determining whether the snowmobile is in forward, neutral, or reverse;
maintaining the at least one scratcher in an undeployed configuration if determined to be in reverse.
15. The method of claim 14 , further providing a temperature sensor.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising 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.
17. A snowmobile comprising:
a tunnel;
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;
at least one actuator having a scratcher coupled thereto, wherein the actuator has a deployed configuration and an undeployed configuration; and
at least one selector, in communication with the at least one actuator.
18. The snowmobile of claim 17 , wherein the at least one selector is in electronic communication with the at least one actuator.
19. The snowmobile of claim 17 , wherein the at least one selector is in mechanical communication with the at least one actuator.
20. The snowmobile of claim 17 , wherein the at least one actuator is attached to the skid rail.