Crawler Overlap Rigidity Uniformity via Curved Main Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber crawlers with overlapping main cord layers exhibit higher bending rigidity at the overlapping portion, leading to excessive bending when entrained around drive or idle wheels due to differing bending rigidity at the boundaries between the overlapping and non-overlapping sections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stretching and contracting portion at the overlapping area of the main cord layer, where the main cords are curved with an amplitude in the width direction, allowing for greater flexibility and uniform bending rigidity along the crawler's peripheral direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an overlapping structure is used for the main cord layer, then the crawler can be formed as an endless belt, but the bending rigidity becomes non-uniform causing excessive bending at the boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a stretching and contracting portion with a specific curved shape at the overlapping portion of the main cord layer. This localized structural modification allows the overlapping portion to have different mechanical properties (higher elasticity) compared to other portions, enabling it to accommodate bending stresses uniformly and prevent excessive bending at boundaries while maintaining the overall endless belt structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the main cord layer has an overlapping portion, then the crawler can be constructed, but the bending rigidity at the overlapping portion differs from other portions causing excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the main cords in the overlapping portion with a specific curved shape (stretching and contracting portion) that has an amplitude in the width direction. This curved configuration allows the overlapping portion to flex more easily during bending, matching the bending rigidity of other portions and preventing excessive bending stresses that would compromise reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the overlapping portion is entrained around wheels, then the crawler functions as intended, but excessive bending occurs due to rigidity differences at boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical configuration of the main cords in the overlapping portion, creating a stretching and contracting portion with a specific curved shape and amplitude. This structural parameter change increases the elasticity of the overlapping portion, allowing it to bend uniformly when entrained around wheels and preventing the harmful excessive bending that would occur at the boundaries of rigid overlapping sections.
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 reduces the difference in bending rigidity between the overlapping and non-overlapping portions, suppressing excessive bending and fatigue, and maintaining uniform bending rigidity when the crawler is entrained around wheels.
Implementation Method 1
an endless-belt shaped elastic body; a stretching and contracting portion that is formed at the overlapping portion of the main cords, and is capable of stretching and contracting more in the elastic body peripheral direction than other portions of the main cords
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber crawler including: an endless belt shaped rubber belt; a main cord layer that is disposed within the rubber belt, that is configured by plural main cords extending along a crawler peripheral direction and arranged side-by-side in a crawler width direction, and that is formed with an overlapping portion where both end, sides in the crawler peripheral direction overlap one another in a crawler thickness direction; and a stretching and contracting portion that is formed at the overlapping portion of the main cords, and is capable of stretching and contracting more in the crawler peripheral direction than other portions of the main cords, wherein the stretching and contracting portion includes a curved portion where the main cords are curved with an amplitude in the crawler width direction as viewed along the crawler thickness direction.