Active Track-Chain Sag Management for Crawler Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler vehicle operators face time-consuming and error-prone manual maintenance tasks in adjusting track-chain tension and sag, which can lead to suboptimal performance and increased wear due to dynamic ground conditions and frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An active track-chain sag management system using electrically-driven tensioning devices with a movable idler wheel and a controller that adjusts track-chain tension and sag automatically during operation, utilizing a planetary screw drive and electric motor to maintain optimal tension and sag levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hydraulic adjustment is used to regulate track-chain sag, then track tension can be adjusted, but maintenance time and operator intervention are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically regulating track-chain sag through the controller that monitors sag distance and commands the electric drive assembly to adjust the movable track-engaging member, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and daily maintenance checks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual hydraulic adjustment system with an electrically-driven system where an electric motor drives a screw mechanism to position the movable track-engaging member, substituting mechanical manual operation with automated electric control
2Duration of action of stationary object
If frequent manual adjustments are made to maintain proper track-chain sag, then component wear can be minimized, but productivity and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors track-chain sag distance using a sensor and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the movable track-engaging member to maintain optimal tension, ensuring proper component wear prevention without interrupting operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic adjustment system operates continuously during vehicle operation, maintaining optimal track-chain tension without interruption, whereas manual adjustments require stopping the vehicle and interrupting productive work
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual track-chain sag adjustment is performed, then basic tension control is achieved, but adaptation to dynamic ground conditions and wear variations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously receives feedback on track-chain sag distance and automatically adjusts tension in response to changing conditions such as ground moisture levels and component wear, providing real-time adaptation without requiring operator judgment or complex manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously adapts to dynamic operating conditions by monitoring sag distance and making automatic adjustments, eliminating the need for operator expertise in judging when and how to adjust track tension under varying ground conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces operator maintenance requirements, extends undercarriage lifespan, and improves performance by enabling real-time adjustments to track-chain tension and sag, optimizing operation across varying conditions without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The planetary screw drive includes, in turn, a threaded spindle coupled to the motor output shaft for rotation about a central axis, as well as a translating nut configured to translate along the central axis in response to rotation of the threaded spindle
Data Source
AI summary
An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.