Integrated Crawler Track Link Seal for Long-Term Restorative Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link seal structures for crawler tracks fail to maintain restorative force over time due to compression and expansion, leading to frequent oil replenishment and shortened lifespan, and have high manufacturing costs and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A doughnut-shaped link seal with integrally formed shape restoration parts using dual injection molding with EPDM, eliminating the need for additional restoration rings and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If restoration rings are installed on the inner and outer surfaces of the link seal, then the restorative force is doubled, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the link seal and restoration rings into a single integrated component manufactured through dual injection molding. The first injection forms the link seal body, and the second injection forms the restoration rings directly on the link seal, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the doubled restorative force effect
2Strength
If restoration rings are separately manufactured and fitted on the link seal, then the restorative force is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manufacturing of the link seal and restoration rings into a single dual injection molding process. This integrated manufacturing approach eliminates the need for separate production and fitting operations, reducing labor costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the enhanced restorative force provided by the restoration rings
3Duration of action of moving object
If the link seal undergoes repeated compression and expansion, then the buffering function is maintained, but the restorative force weakens due to elongation of restoration rings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials in the dual injection molding process, where the link seal is made from one material and the restoration rings are made from a different material with superior elastic properties. This material selection ensures that the restoration rings maintain their restorative force even after repeated compression and expansion cycles, preventing the weakening effect caused by elongation
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 solution enhances restorative force, reduces manufacturing costs, and extends the lifespan of the link seal by maintaining its functionality without elongation or separation of restoration parts, while preventing oil leakage and foreign substance ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a shape restoration part, which is integrally formed the link seal body to enhance restorative force of the link seal body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a link seal of a crawler track, and a method of manufacturing the same. During the manufacturing of the link seal, a shape restoration part is formed integrally on the link seal body in order to enhance the restorative force partially or entirely and without needing additional ring-shaped shape restoration member, so the link seal of a crawler track does not need assembly work of the link seal, has a simple structure, can maintain the restorative force of the link seal for a long time without elongation of the ring-shaped shape restoration member, and remarkably reduce manufacturing costs of the link seal.