Track shoe with large cavity on ground engaging surface with protruding sidewalls or oval periphery

Abstract

A track pad (200) includes a plate member (210) having two bottom voids (224, 244) extending upwardly from a ground engaging surface (214) of the plate member (210), and the two bottom voids (224, 244) form a central support post (246) having a serpentine surface (250) laterally on one side of the central support post (246) and another serpentine surface (252) laterally on another side of the central support post (246). The two bottom voids (224, 244) form an elliptical perimeter (240) at the ground engaging surface (214).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to track pads used in track chains of heavy equipment employing annular track drives. Specifically, this invention relates to track pad geometries suitable for use on hard surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] In many current applications, pins are used to attach track chain components, such as track links, track shoes, or track pads, to each other. These pins allow the track chain components to rotate relative to each other while maintaining chain tension when mounted on the chassis of a tracked vehicle. For heavy equipment, such as electric shovels, track pads are used, which combine track guides and track shoes into a single unit. In some applications, track pads are required to support the machine's heavy loads on hard surfaces such as rocks.

[0003] Due to the rigidity of hard surfaces such as rocks, track pads may crack, or experience "toenails" (elongation of the track pads in the direction of travel) that require repair due to the heavy loads applied to them.

[0004] Various track pad geometries are known in the art, including those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0283819, assigned to this invention. The '819 application discloses a pair of cavities extending from the ground support surface of the track pad's track plate portion, providing a central support post that transfers the majority of the machine's load through the track pad to the ground.

[0005] However, there is a need to develop a track pad that is more robust and cost-effective to manufacture than track pads designed to date, for use on hard surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A track chain component according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plate component defining a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the track chain travel direction and the lateral direction. The plate component may also define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, and a ground engagement surface extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. Furthermore, the track chain component may define a mid-plane along the lateral direction, a first bottom gap extending from the ground engagement surface, and a second bottom gap extending from the ground engagement surface, the first bottom gap being laterally disposed on one side of the mid-plane, and the second bottom gap being laterally disposed on the other side of the mid-plane, forming a support post between them. The first bottom gap may at least partially form a first post sidewall, and the second bottom gap may at least partially form a second post sidewall in a cross-sectional plane having lateral and vertical directions. The first post sidewall may include a convex engagement portion extending vertically from the ground engagement surface, and a concave engagement portion extending vertically from the convex engagement portion.

[0007] A track chain component according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plate component defining a track chain travel direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the track chain travel direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the track chain travel direction and the lateral direction. The plate component may also define a first lateral end, a second lateral end, and a ground engagement surface extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. The track chain component further defines a mid-plane in the lateral direction, a first bottom gap extending from the ground engagement surface, and a second bottom gap extending from the ground engagement surface, the first bottom gap being laterally disposed on one side of the mid-plane, and the second bottom gap being laterally disposed on the other side of the mid-plane, forming a support post between them. At least the first bottom gap may define an elliptical periphery at the ground engagement surface.

[0008] A track pad according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first link portion defining a set of Y-shaped lugs, each lug defining a hole having cylindrical axes parallel to each other; and a plate member portion extending downward from the first link portion toward a ground engagement surface in a vertical direction perpendicular to each cylindrical axis. The ground engagement surface may extend in a transverse direction parallel to each cylindrical axis to form a first transverse end and a second transverse end. The ground engagement surface may also define a midplane laterally disposed at an intermediate position between the first and second transverse ends, and a first bottom gap defining the first and second transverse profiles in a cross-sectional plane including both the transverse and vertical directions, the first transverse profile being disposed near the first transverse end, and the second transverse profile being disposed near the midplane. The first transverse profile may define a first vertical undercut, and the second transverse profile may define a second vertical undercut, the second vertical undercut being disposed at a vertical height above the first vertical undercut. Furthermore, the first vertical undercut may define a first undercut transverse width, and the second vertical undercut may define a second transverse undercut width greater than the width of the first transverse undercut. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the specification serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a machine, such as an electric rope shovel, having a track chain using track pads or track plates according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It is possible to be with Figure 1 A perspective view of a track plate or track pad according to an embodiment of the present invention used with a machine.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the track plates or track pads.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A rear section view taken along line 4-4 of the track plate or track pad.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Rear view of the track pads or track mats.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top section view of the track plate or track pad taken along line 6-6.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of the track plates or track pads. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts. In some cases, reference numerals will be indicated in this specification, and the drawings will show reference numerals followed by letters, such as 100a, 100b, etc. It should be understood that the use of letters immediately following reference numerals indicates that these features have similar shapes and similar functions, such as when the geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters are generally not included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features discussed in this written description.

[0018] Various embodiments of the present invention include track chain components, such as track pads, and track chains that can use multiple track chain components according to various embodiments of the present invention. First, machines that can use such track chain components (e.g., track pads) or such track chains will be discussed.

[0019] refer to Figure 1The diagram illustrates a machine 100 having a chassis 102 (which may include a turntable 108) with a track system including a first track chain 104a and a second track chain 104b positioned on opposite sides of the chassis 102. The machine 100 is shown in the context of an electric rope shovel and includes an operator's cab 106, a boom 110, a lower end 112 of the boom 110 (also referred to as a boom base), an upper end 114 of the boom 110 (also referred to as a boom tip), a tension cable 116, a frame tensioning member 118, a frame compression member 120, a pulley 122 rotatably mounted on the upper end 114 of the boom 110, a bucket 124, a bucket door 126 pivotally connected to the bucket 124, a lifting rope 128, a winch drum (not shown), and a bucket handle 130. An electric motor controls the winch drum, causing the boom and bucket to lower or raise, and causing the bucket handle to move up and down relative to the boom.

[0020] Tracks 104a and 104b are part of a machine underframe 132 that is conventionally connected to the chassis 102. Each of tracks 104a and 104b includes a plurality of track plates joined together, forming an annular loop extending around a plurality of rotatable elements. In a typical design, an idler pulley 134 and a drive sprocket 136 are associated with each of tracks 104a and 104b and mounted to a track roller frame 138. As also described herein, a plurality of track rollers 140 may also be mounted to the roller frame 138 and associated with each of tracks 104a and 104b to support the machine 100 and guide tracks 104a and 104b in a desired path. One or more carrier rollers 142 may also be associated with each of tracks 104a and 104b to support and guide the track opposite the rollers 140 during operation.

[0021] The unique design of tracks 104a and 104b, and their integration as part of the overall track and underframe system, enables machine 100 to operate in certain environments, such as harsh foot conditions, without the drawbacks associated with many earlier designs. While this document emphasizes use in the machine environment of excavators, it should be understood that machine 100 can include different types of machines. For example, this document envisions tracked tractors or even half-tracked machines. Furthermore, machine 100 can include conveyors or other types of machines where the tracks are used for purposes other than ground engagement elements. Moreover, the machine can be some type of hydraulic shovel, bulldozer, excavator, backhoe excavator, etc.

[0022] Bucket 124 is suspended from boom 110 by lifting rope 128. Lifting rope 128 is wound around pulley 122 and attached to bucket 124 at lifting ring 144. Lifting rope 128 is anchored to winch drum (not shown). Winch drum is driven by at least one electric motor (not shown) coupled with a drive unit (not shown). As winch drum rotates, lifting rope 128 is released to lower bucket 124 or pulled in to raise bucket 124. Bucket handle 130 is also connected to bucket 124. Bucket handle 130 is slidably supported in saddle block 146, and saddle block 146 is pivotally mounted to boom 110 at conveyor shaft (not clearly shown). Bucket handle 130 includes a rack and pinion thereon that engages with a drive pinion (not shown) mounted in saddle block 146. The drive pinion is driven by an electric motor and a transmission unit (not shown) to extend or retract the bucket handle 130 relative to the saddle block 146.

[0023] A power source (not shown) is mounted on the vehicle body 102 to power the lifting electric motor (not shown) for driving the lifting drum, one or more group electric motors (not shown) for driving the group drive unit, and one or more oscillating electric motors (not shown) for rotating the turntable 108. In some cases, the electric motors power all moving parts of the shovel. Each of the group, lifting, and oscillating motors is driven by its own motor controller, or alternatively, in response to control signals from a controller (not clearly shown).

[0024] Track chains 104a and 104b are considered well-suited for operation in harsh foot conditions. For this purpose, track chains 104a and 104b can be "high ground pressure" tracks, each with sufficiently durable track components to support the relatively large weight of machine 100. Each track plate component has a footprint partially defined by a front edge and a rear edge, and partially by an outer edge. Each track plate component may also include a ground contact area equal to its footprint, or smaller than its footprint only to the extent that adjacent track plates overlap each other or due to gaps provided on the bottom surface of the track plate component.

[0025] Various track chain components, which may be constructed as a whole according to the principles of the present invention, can withstand the high stress applications described above.

[0026] This track chain component is in Figures 2 to 7The track chain component 200a may include a plate component (e.g., see plate component portion 210) that defines a track chain travel direction 256, a lateral direction 216 perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 256, and a vertical direction 212 perpendicular to the track chain travel direction 256 and the lateral direction 216 (which may be the same as the vertical direction of the machine in use). The plate component also defines a first lateral end (e.g., see first lateral end 218), a second lateral end (e.g., see first lateral end 220), and a ground engagement surface 214 extending from the first lateral end to the second lateral end.

[0027] The track chain component 200a may further define a center plane 222 along the transverse direction 216, a first bottom gap 224 extending vertically upward from the ground engagement surface 214, and a second bottom gap 244 extending vertically upward from the ground engagement surface 214. The first bottom gap 224 is laterally disposed on one side of the center plane 222, and the second bottom gap 244 is laterally disposed on the other side of the center plane 222, forming a support post 246 between these gaps.

[0028] like Figure 7 As best shown, at least a first bottom gap 224 (and possibly two gaps) can define an elliptical periphery 240 at the ground engagement surface 214. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the invention. When present, the elliptical periphery 240 of the first bottom gap 224 (also referred to as an elliptical periphery) can define a major axis 258 extending parallel to the lateral direction 216 and a minor axis 260 extending parallel to the track chain travel direction 256. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the invention. When present, in some embodiments, the minor axis dimension can be in the range of 120.0 mm to 140.0 mm (e.g., 131.6 mm), and the major axis dimension can be in the range of 220.0 mm to 240.0 mm (e.g., 232.0 mm). Other dimension ranges are possible in other embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Focus Figure 3 A first lug 262 may extend from the plate member in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 256, and a second lug 264 may extend from the plate member in a second direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 256 and opposite to the first direction. A first top surface 266 may extend from the first lug 262 to the second lug 264. A first rib 268 may connect the plate member to the first lug 262, and a second rib 270 may connect the plate member to the second lug 264, thereby defining a first side recess 272 between the first rib 268 and the second rib 270. The first side recess may also extend from the outside of the plate member and below the first top surface 272 (see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 6).

[0030] For example Figure 3 As best shown, a third lug 274 (similar to the first lug 262) extends from the plate member in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 256, and a fourth lug 276 (similar to the second lug 264) extends from the plate member in a second direction parallel to the track chain travel direction 256 and opposite to the first direction. A second top surface 278 extends from the third lug 274 to the fourth lug 276. A third rib 280 (similar to the first rib 268) connects the plate member to the third lug 274, and a fourth rib 282 connects the plate member to the fourth lug 276, thereby defining a second side recess 284 disposed between the third rib 280 and the fourth rib 282. The second side recess 284 also extends from the outside of the plate member and below the second top surface 278 (see also...). Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0031] exist Figure 4 As can be seen, the first gap sidewall 286 of the first bottom gap 224 extends vertically while moving laterally, thereby forming an undercut along the vertical direction 212 (see, for example, 230 or 232). Therefore, the first bottom gap 224 defines a maximum lateral width 288, and the undercut defines a minimum lateral width 290.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the ratio of the maximum lateral width 288 to the minimum lateral width 290 can be in the range of 1.1 to 1.3. In this case, the maximum lateral width 288 can be in the range of 200.0 mm to 250.0 mm (e.g., 223.3 mm), and the minimum lateral width is in the range of 180.0 mm to 190.0 mm (e.g., approximately 186.0 mm). In other embodiments of the invention, other ratios and size ranges are possible.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 4 It is understood that the center plane 222 can be substantially the plane of symmetry of the track chain member or track pad. Therefore, the second bottom gap 244 can be symmetrical about the center plane 222 with respect to the first bottom gap 224, but not necessarily (e.g., it can be asymmetrically arranged about the center plane, etc.). Furthermore, the first side recess 272 and the second side recess 284 do not extend to the ground engagement surface 214, thereby providing more surface area to limit penetration into the ground. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the invention.

[0034] A closer look at the first top surface 266 reveals that it extends laterally across the second lug 264 and at least partially across the first bottom gap 224. Similarly, the second top surface 278 extends laterally across the fourth lug 276 and at least partially across the second bottom gap 244. Either of these top surfaces may be angled vertically toward the bottom gap, and in some embodiments, a minimum thickness 292 greater than 45.0 mm (e.g., greater than 50.0 mm) is defined between the top surface and the bottom gap. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the invention.

[0035] The implementation method of track chain components can also be found in [reference]. Figure 4 The description is as follows. The first bottom void 224 can at least partially form the first column sidewall 294, and the second bottom void 244 can be in the cross-sectional plane (i.e., Figure 4 The second column sidewall 294a is formed at least partially in the cross-sectional plane of the first column (which may be symmetrical about the mid-plane 222 relative to 294). The first column sidewall 294 may include a convex joint 296 extending perpendicularly from the ground joint surface 214 (the joint may be any curved surface that is not straight, such as a radius, ellipse, polynomial, spline curve, sine curve, etc.) and a concave joint (e.g., see 238) extending perpendicularly from the convex joint 296 (which may be directly tangent to the convex joint).

[0036] The convex joint 296 may define a radius of curvature R296 in the cross-sectional plane, and the support column 246 may define a planar support portion 298 of the ground engagement surface 214, the planar support portion 298 defining a planar support lateral width W298 at the ground engagement surface. In some embodiments of the invention, the ratio of the planar support lateral width W298 to the radius of curvature range R296 may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. In this case, the planar support lateral width may be greater than 200.0 mm (e.g., greater than about 233.0 mm), and the radius of curvature may be greater than 40.0 mm (e.g., greater than about 50.0 mm).

[0037] The first side recess 272 also extends from the outside of the plate member and below the first top surface 266 toward the first bottom gap 224, thereby defining a minimum wall thickness 299 in the cross-sectional plane between the first side recess 272 and the first bottom gap 224. In some embodiments of the invention, the ratio of the minimum wall thickness 299 to the radius of curvature R296 can be in the range of 0.8 to 1.6. In some embodiments, the minimum wall thickness 299 can be greater than 60.0 mm.

[0038] The support column can define its height, and a portion of the support column, such as an upper hardened region, can define its height, wherein the ratio of the upper hardened region height to the support column height can be in the range of 10% to 25%. Hardening can be performed via induction hardening or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the support column height can be in the range of 275 mm to 325 mm, and the support column width can be in the range of 180 mm to 250 mm.

[0039] It should be noted that a support post may include a gap that extends completely through the support post in the track travel direction, but it does not necessarily have to. In such cases, this gap will be ignored when considering the dimensions and proportions of any support post mentioned herein in relation to the discussion herein.

[0040] Similarly, for any implementation discussed herein, the values ​​of size, angle, and ratio can be changed to different... Figures 2 to 7 Any value shown. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the invention, various features can be modified or omitted in the configuration.

[0041] Industrial applicability

[0042] In practice, track chain assemblies, track chain components, track pads, plate components, and / or machines can be sold, manufactured, purchased, etc., in the aftermarket or original equipment market according to any of the embodiments discussed herein. In other words, the machine can be sold together with track chain assemblies, and / or track chain components, track pads, plate components, etc., according to the embodiments described herein, or the machine can be modified, repaired, or refurbished to use any of the embodiments discussed herein. Various components, including but not limited to track chain components, can be made of any suitable material, such as cast iron, gray cast iron, steel, manganese, etc. Track chain components can be initially cast or forged, and additional features can then be machined onto the track chain components. For example, holes for lugs can be machined.

[0043] In a specific application, it has been determined that a material with a higher carbon content may be more durable in use, but may be more prone to cracking. This can be referred to as a "high-carbon steel alloy," with a carbon content of 0.55% or higher, or 1 / 180th. Typically, the carbon content is less than 2.0% to avoid embrittlement.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, the track pad according to an embodiment of the invention can provide a design that helps prevent excessive plastic deformation along the roller path of the track plate in an electric rope shovel machine. The current design of the track plate includes two internal cavities along the center of the plate. A single rib at the center of the track plate is the sole support structure for the rolling path.

[0045] More specifically, the present invention relates to changes in the material and geometry of track plates (more specifically track pads) used by electric rope shovel machines. The new material is a carbon alloy that provides induction hardening along the roller path (any portion of the track pad or track chain component can be induction hardened). The new geometry can include a solid structure having a continuous surface at the center of the plate and can eliminate any internal cavities along the core of the track plate. This geometry provides sufficient strength to support the weight of the machine and allows full inspection of the track plate's roller path while it is on the machine. In other words, the track pad or track chain component can be free of any through-holes extending laterally or along the track chain travel direction into the first bottom gap, or vertically downward into the first bottom gap, etc.

[0046] This type of track pad is in Figures 2 to 7 As shown in the figure, the track pad can be constructed from a single piece of material, which is cast and then machined as described earlier in this document.

[0047] Track pad 200 may include first link portions 202 defining Y-shaped lugs 204, each lug defining a hole 206 having cylindrical axes 208 parallel to each other. Thus, these holes can be aligned with holes in other link portions of other track pads to form a track chain assembly. It should be understood that the first link portion is so named because its function is to mate with link portions of adjacent track pads and then attach to adjacent track pads by inserting pins and / or bushings into the holes of the link portions, thereby sequentially forming the track chain assembly.

[0048] The plate member portion 210 extends downward toward the ground engagement surface 214 from the first link portion along a vertical direction 212 perpendicular to each cylindrical axis 208. The ground engagement surface 214 extends along a transverse direction 216 parallel to each cylindrical axis 208 to form a first transverse end 218 and a second transverse end 220. A mid-plane 222 may be laterally positioned at an intermediate location between the first transverse end 218 and the second transverse end 220.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown in the optimal configuration, the ground mating surface 214 can be in a cross-sectional plane including the transverse direction 216 and the vertical direction 212 (i.e., Figure 4A first bottom gap 224 is defined in the cross-sectional plane, and the first bottom gap 224 defines a first lateral profile 226 and a second lateral profile 228. The first lateral profile 226 is positioned close to the first lateral end 218, and the second lateral profile 228 is positioned near the mid-plane 222. The first lateral profile 226 moves laterally and vertically to define a first vertical undercut 230; and the second lateral profile 228 also moves laterally and vertically to define a second vertical undercut 232, which is positioned at a vertical height higher than the first vertical undercut 230 (as shown by the inclined profile line 234 connecting the first vertical undercut 230 to the second vertical undercut 232).

[0050] Furthermore, the first vertical undercut can define a first undercut lateral width W230, and the second vertical undercut can define a second lateral undercut width W232 that is greater than the first lateral undercut width W230. This can be attributed to the fact that the radius of curvature of the first concave segment 236 forming the first vertical undercut is greater than the radius of curvature of the second concave segment 238 forming the second vertical undercut. Therefore, it can be understood that the wall forming the bottom gap of the track pad can vary along its elliptical periphery 240, 240a (see also...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the invention.

[0051] Observe together Figure 3 and Figure 4 A second link portion 242 and a second bottom gap 244 can be provided. The second link portion 242 is symmetrical about the mid-plane 222 with respect to the first link portion 202, and the second bottom gap 244 is symmetrical about the mid-plane 222 with respect to the first bottom gap 224, thereby forming a support post 246 directly below the roller path 248. The support post can have... Figure 4 A first serpentine edge 250 (e.g., S-shaped) is laterally disposed on one side of the mid-plane 222 in the cross-sectional plane, and in Figure 4 A second serpentine edge 252 is laterally set on the other side of the mid-plane in the cross-sectional plane.

[0052] Finite element analysis conducted by the inventors of this invention has revealed that the shape of the induction-hardened support column, located directly below the roller path, is strong enough to resist cracking under the high loads applied to the track pads by the machine's rollers.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that the roller path is not directly perpendicular to the bottom gap or its sidewalls. In other words, the bottom gap is laterally spaced from any lateral ends of the roller path, allowing the support column to effectively deliver loads downwards. As a result, the stress within the bottom gap does not change significantly when the support column wears or thins vertically. In other words, the first and second serpentine edges are not directly perpendicular to the bottom of the roller path (i.e., they are laterally spaced from the nearest lateral end of the roller path).

[0054] Although this arrangement is illustrated in conjunction with an electric rope shovel, the arrangement disclosed herein is universally applicable to a wide variety of other types of machines that typically employ tracked systems, rather than wheels. The term "machine" can refer to any machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining or construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, a machine can be an excavator, wheel loader, cable shovel, or dragline excavator, etc. Furthermore, one or more implements can be attached to the machine. Such implements can be used for a variety of tasks, including, for example, lifting and loading.

[0055] For any of the embodiments discussed herein, the track chain assembly may include multiple track chain members configured similarly or identically. It should be understood that at least two additional track chain members with different or dissimilar geometries may also be provided, as in the case of two main links engaged with multiple similarly or identically configured track chain members.

[0056] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and are interchangeable with “one or more”. The term “one” or similar phrasing is used when referring to only one item. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” “with,” etc., are intended to be open-ended terms. Additionally, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0057] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the devices and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the construction and function of some devices may differ from those already described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or in some cases performed simultaneously or as sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications can be made to certain aspects or features of the various embodiments to produce other embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide other embodiments.

[0058] Therefore, the description and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A track chain component (200a), comprising: A plate member (210) defines a track chain travel direction (256), a lateral direction (216) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (256), and a vertical direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (256) and the lateral direction (216). The plate member (210) also defines a first lateral end (218), a second lateral end (220), and a ground contact surface (214) extending from the first lateral end (218) to the second lateral end (220). The track chain component (200a) further defines a mid-plane (222) along the transverse direction (216), a first bottom gap (224) extending from the ground contact surface (214), and a second bottom gap (244) extending from the ground contact surface (214), the first bottom gap (224) being transversely disposed on one side of the mid-plane (222), and the second bottom gap (244) being transversely disposed on the other side of the mid-plane (222), forming a support post (246) between the two. The first bottom gap (224) at least partially forms a first column sidewall, and the second bottom gap (244) at least partially forms a second column sidewall (294a) in a cross-sectional plane having the lateral direction and the vertical direction (216, 212), and the first column sidewall (294) includes a convex joint (296) extending vertically from the ground joint surface (214) and a concave joint (238) extending vertically from the convex joint (296). The plate member (210) further includes a first gap sidewall (286) of the first bottom gap (224), which extends vertically and moves laterally to form an undercut (230, 232) along the vertical direction (212).

2. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 1, wherein the track chain component further defines a roller path (248) disposed perpendicularly along the mid-plane (222), the first bottom gap (224) and the second bottom gap (244) being disposed around the mid-plane (222) and not perpendicularly disposed below the roller path (248), the convex joint (296) defining a radius of curvature (R296) in the cross-sectional plane, the support column (246) defining a planar support portion (298) of the ground engagement surface (214), the planar support portion (298) defining a column support lateral width (W298) at the ground engagement surface (214), and the ratio of the column support lateral width (W298) to the radius of curvature (R296) being in the range of 4.0 to 6.

0.

3. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 2, wherein the lateral width (W298) of the column support is greater than 200.0 mm, the radius of curvature (R296) is greater than 40.0 mm, and further comprises: A first lug (262) extends from the plate member (210) in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (256); The second lug (264) extends from the plate member (210) in a second direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (256) and opposite to the first direction; The track chain component (200a) further defines a first top surface (266) extending from the first lug (262) to the second lug (264). The first rib (268) connects the plate member (210) to the first lug (262); and A second rib (270) connects the plate member (210) to the second lug (264) and defines a first side recess (272) between the first rib (268) and the second rib (270). The first side recess (272) also extends from the outside of the plate member (210) and below the first top surface (266) toward the first bottom void (224). A minimum wall thickness (299) is defined in the cross-sectional plane between the first side recess (272) and the first bottom void (224), and the ratio of the minimum wall thickness (299) to the radius of curvature (R296) is in the range of 0.8 to 1.

6.

4. A track chain component (200a), comprising: A plate member (210) defines a track chain travel direction (256), a lateral direction (216) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (256), and a vertical direction (212) perpendicular to the track chain travel direction (256) and the lateral direction (216). The plate member (210) also defines a first lateral end (218), a second lateral end (220), and a ground contact surface (214) extending from the first lateral end (218) to the second lateral end (220). The track chain component (200a) further defines a mid-plane (222) along the transverse direction (216), a first bottom gap (224) extending from the ground contact surface (214), and a second bottom gap (244) extending from the ground contact surface (214), the first bottom gap (224) being transversely disposed on one side of the mid-plane (222), and the second bottom gap (244) being transversely disposed on the other side of the mid-plane (222), forming a support post (246) between the two. At least the first bottom void (224) defines an elliptical periphery (240) at the ground joint surface (214). The plate member (210) further includes a first gap sidewall (286) of the first bottom gap (224), which extends vertically and moves laterally to form an undercut (230, 232) along the vertical direction (212).

5. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 4 further comprises: A first lug (262) extends from the plate member (210) in a first direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (256); The second lug (264) extends from the plate member (210) in a second direction parallel to the track chain travel direction (256) and opposite to the first direction; The track chain component (200a) further defines a first top surface (266) extending from the first lug (262) to the second lug (264). The first rib (268) connects the plate member (210) to the first lug (262); and The second rib (270), which connects the plate member (210) to the second lug (264), defines a first side recess (272) between the first rib (268) and the second rib (270), the first side recess (272) also extending from the outside of the plate member (210) and below the first top surface (266), and extending non-perpendicularly to the ground engagement surface (214).

6. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 4, wherein the elliptical periphery (240) of the first bottom gap (224) defines a major axis (258) extending parallel to the lateral direction (216) and a minor axis (260) extending parallel to the track chain travel direction (256).

7. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 4, wherein the first bottom gap (224) defines a maximum lateral width (288), the undercut (230, 232) defines a minimum lateral width (290), and the ratio of the maximum lateral width (288) to the minimum lateral width (290) is in the range of 1.1 to 1.

3.

8. The track chain component (200a) according to claim 7, wherein the maximum lateral width (288) is in the range of 200.0 mm to 250.0 mm, and the minimum lateral width (290) is in the range of 180.0 mm to 190.0 mm.

9. The track chain component (200a) of claim 5, wherein the first top surface (266) extends laterally through the second lug (264) and is at least partially laterally over the first bottom gap (224) and is vertically inclined toward the first bottom gap (224) to define a minimum thickness (292) greater than 45.0 mm between the first top surface (266) and the first bottom gap (224).

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