Crawler Device Alternating Zones Reduce Bending Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing crawler devices suffer from premature deterioration of tread lugs and limited load-bearing capacity due to excessive bending loads and inadequate support, which restricts their ability to change directions effectively on uneven ground and support heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
The crawler device features a circular cylindrical configuration with alternating zones of crawler structures and ground contacting structures, reducing bending forces and enhancing durability, while also incorporating rotatable supports and actuators for efficient movement and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tread lugs extend in the circumferential direction over a wide angular range to provide a circular cylindrical configuration, then the crawler unit can roll smoothly in the second direction, but the tread lugs are subjected to great bending loads repeatedly, causing premature deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The crawler structure is segmented into crawler structures with tread lugs for propulsion and ground contacting structures without tread lugs for support and rolling. This segmentation allows the tread lugs to be shorter and better supported while maintaining the circular cylindrical configuration needed for rolling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the crawler unit have different functions: the crawler structures provide traction with tread lugs, while the ground contacting structures provide stable ground contact and support for rolling. This local differentiation of quality allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, reducing bending loads on tread lugs while maintaining rolling capability.
2Strength
If the tread lugs are made stronger to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the bending loads on the tread lugs increase, causing faster deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the crawler structure distributes the load-bearing function across both crawler structures and ground contacting structures. This reduces the bending moment on individual tread lugs while maintaining overall load-bearing capacity, as the ground contacting structures provide additional support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground contacting structures act as intermediaries between the ground and the crawler structures, providing additional support and reducing the bending loads transmitted to the tread lugs. This mediator structure allows the system to support heavy loads without subjecting the tread lugs to excessive bending stresses.
3Device complexity
If the crawler unit uses only crawler structures for movement, then the structure is simpler, but the crawler cannot change directions effectively on uneven ground or narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The crawler unit achieves multi-functionality by combining crawler structures for propulsion with ground contacting structures for support and directional control. This universal design enables the crawler to move forward, change directions, navigate narrow passages, and adapt to uneven ground without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A crawler device 2 includes a crawler unit 5. The crawler unit 5 includes a first support 10 extending along a first rotational axis L1, a pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B mounted on the first support 10 and a pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B mounted on the first support 10. The pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B are arranged outside of the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B in a direction in which the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B are opposed to each other. The crawler unit 5 is supported by second supports 41, 42 such that the crawler unit 5 is rotatable about the first rotational axis L1. An outer periphery of the crawler unit 5 having a circular cylindrical configuration includes first zones Z1 occupied by the pair of crawler structures 20A, 20B and second zones Z2 occupied by the pair of ground contacting structures 30A, 30B alternately arranged in a circumferential direction.