Crawler Cord Layer Strain Distribution via Segmented Protective Ply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing crawler designs, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2016-107990, suffer from buckling issues in the main cord layer due to concentrated strain during turning, which affects the durability and performance of the crawler.
Innovation Solution
The crawler design incorporates a main cord layer, first and second bias cord layers, and a protective cord layer, with interposed rubber regions between the cord layers, ensuring improved flexibility and adhesiveness, and a specific arrangement of cord layers to alleviate strain and prevent buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main cord layer is concentratedly arranged to suppress defects in bias cords, then bias cord defects are suppressed, but the main cord becomes concentratedly strained during turning causing buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cord layer is divided into multiple sheets (first protective ply and second protective ply) arranged in different orientations. The first protective ply has cords extending in the crawler width direction, while the second protective ply has cords extending obliquely. This segmentation distributes the strain from turning across multiple oriented layers, preventing concentrated strain and buckling in the main cord while maintaining bias cord defect suppression.
2Reliability
If multiple sheets of protective plies are overlaid to protect the crawler, then protective performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and rigidity increases causing main cord buckling
Solution Approach 1:
Different protective plies are positioned at specific locations with specific orientations to provide targeted protection. The first protective ply with width-direction cords protects the outer surface, while the second protective ply with oblique cords is positioned to specifically counteract turning strains. This localized quality approach provides necessary protection without uniformly increasing complexity and rigidity throughout the entire structure.
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 configuration effectively suppresses buckling in the main cord, enhancing the crawler's durability and performance by distributing strain and improving peeling resistance between cord layers.
Implementation Method 1
an endless band-shaped crawler main body that is made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber crawler includes: a crawler main body; a main cord layer overlaid on a crawler outer circumferential side of a main body inner circumferential portion, and including a main cord extending in a crawler circumferential direction; a first bias cord layer overlaid on a crawler outer circumferential side of the main cord layer, and including a bias ply configured with a bias cord, which extends obliquely with respect to the crawler circumferential direction; a second bias cord layer overlaid on a crawler outer circumferential side of the first bias cord layer, and including a bias ply configured with a bias cord, which intersects with the bias cord; and a protective cord layer overlaid on a crawler outer circumferential side of the second bias cord layer and overlaid on a crawler inner circumferential side of a main body outer circumferential portion, and is formed by one sheet of protective ply configured with a protective cord, which extends along a crawler width direction.