Crawler Track Climbing Aid Profile Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles, such as excavators, face reduced traction in poor ground conditions due to material accumulation between crossbars of the track chain, leading to ineffective penetration and mechanical load-bearing capacity issues.
Innovation Solution
The climbing aid features profile elements with recesses for positive connection, enhancing transverse rigidity and security by forming a form-fit joint, which can be achieved by sliding the elements into each other, and optionally using a friction-increasing coating to improve force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If profile elements are connected using conventional joining methods (e.g., screw connections), then the climbing aid can be assembled, but the lateral stiffness and mechanical load-bearing capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The climbing aid is divided into multiple profile elements that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each profile element is a discrete component that can be produced independently, allowing for modular construction while maintaining overall structural integrity through the positive connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical joining methods (screws, bolts, welds) with a positive connection system based on geometric interlocking. The connection relies on the precise geometric shapes of the profile elements and their complementary features, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and reducing assembly complexity while increasing structural rigidity.
2Reliability
If the climbing aid uses a simple connection structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but the connection lacks security and may loosen during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The profile elements feature asymmetric geometric shapes with specific interlocking features. The positive connection relies on asymmetric profiles that fit together in a specific orientation, preventing relative movement and loosening during operation. The asymmetric design ensures that the connection is secure in the intended loading direction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard forming processes.
3Reliability
If recesses are formed deep in profile elements to create positive locking, then connection security increases, but material strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The positive connection features are designed with optimized local geometries in specific areas of the profile elements. The recesses and interlocking features are positioned and dimensioned to provide maximum connection security at critical locations while maintaining adequate material cross-sections elsewhere to preserve overall profile element strength. This localized optimization allows effective positive locking without compromising structural integrity.
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
This design increases the mechanical load-bearing capacity and prevents unintentional loosening of the climbing aid, allowing it to handle higher forces and maintain grip effectively in challenging terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the surfaces forming the overlap joint and/or the surfaces forming the form-fit of the profile elements are provided with a friction-enhancing coating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a climbing aid (1) for a machine with a crawler track, comprising a base body formed from profile elements (3, 4) connected to one another at an overlap joint (2), wherein the profile elements (3, 4) have a support profile (5, 6) on which a climbing aid profile element (11, 12) is arranged, projecting beyond the support profile (5, 6), and wherein the profile elements (3, 4) of the base body are positively connected to one another in the region of the overlap joint (2). For the positive-locking connection of the profile elements (3, 4), at least one of these profile elements (3, 4) has a recess (21) on its end face. The profile elements (3, 4) are pushed into one another in the region of this recess (21).