Abstract:
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics served as a pivotal moment for China, offering a chance to showcase its global image and uplift national pride. A key element of this event was the use of large- and medium-sized snow groomers, which played a crucial role in maintaining optimal conditions for ice and snow sports. These machines not only facilitated the seamless execution of the games but also reflected China’s strength in manufacturing and technology. To meet the growing need for advanced outdoor large- and medium-sized snow groomers, we conducted a thorough review of existing technologies and standards, both locally and abroad. We analyzed challenges such as adapting to different environments, reducing track weight, and ensuring quality control of the body surface. The project systematically addresses the technical challenges in snow groomer propulsion, operating system, overall optimization, manufacturing, testing evaluation, and application. Our goal is to advance the research and development of key components and vehicle technologies to create snow groomers that are highly efficient, reliable, lightweight, and precise. We aim to achieve mass production and establish an effective standard system, reducing China’s reliance of large- and medium-sized snow groomers on foreign imports. Currently, China’s snow groomer industry is still in the starting phase, with a significant gap in design and manufacturing capabilities. Therefore, overcoming the hurdles related to the research and development of key components and vehicle technologies for snow groomers and achieving mass production is an urgent priority. We have conducted research across five levels: demand analysis, key technology research, equipment development, application demonstration, and system construction. This involved focusing on four aspects: promotion system, operation system, whole machine optimization and manufacturing, and testing evaluation. We have explored seven key technologies: high-efficiency static hydraulic drive control for snow road surfaces, lightweight track reliability design, rubber suspension for low-temperature environments, reliability in snow roller vehicles, precise control of snow roller operations in variable environments, lightweight design of snow roller frames and components, and construction of experimental verification technology and indicator system for outdoor large- and medium-sized snow groomers. We have developed the SG400 outdoor large- and medium-sized snow groomer, a model that is efficient, precise, environmentally friendly, and reliable. This snow groomer meets the requirements of international ice and snow events for the track, with performance verified through demonstrations at different ski resorts, such as the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Winter Paralympic Games, and the 14th National Winter Games in 2024. Our efforts resulted in a snow groomer that demonstrates not only high efficiency and reliability but is also lightweight and precise in operation. An effective standard system is now in place, marking a significant shift in China’s snow groomer industry from relying on foreign imports to becoming self-sufficient. This achievement is of great practical significance. Looking ahead, the focus is on advancing snow groomer technology in China by promoting intelligent, green, environmentally friendly, and efficient development.