Crawler Track Cover with Elastomeric Biasing for Debris Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track cover devices for crawler vehicles do not effectively prevent debris from being dislodged during transportation on a trailer, which can lead to debris striking vehicles on the roadway.
Innovation Solution
A track cover device with an elongated, oblong shape made of resilient and tear-resistant material, featuring an elastomeric tube and drawstrings to securely enclose the track, preventing debris from being dislodged and ensuring it does not strike vehicles during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional annular wheel cover is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively prevent debris from being dislodged from the track during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple panels (first cover panel, second cover panel, etc.) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each panel is equipped with fastening mechanisms that allow them to be attached to the track separately, enabling the cover to conform to the track's complex geometry while maintaining structural integrity for debris containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a simple two-dimensional annular shape to a three-dimensional structure that conforms to the track's surface. The cover panels are arranged to wrap around the track in multiple dimensions, creating a comprehensive enclosure that prevents debris from being dislodged during transportation.
2Shape
If the cover is made of rigid material for structural strength, then the cover maintains its shape, but it cannot conform to the complex shape of the track
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the cover have different material properties. The cover panels use flexible materials that can conform to the track's surface contours, while the fastening mechanisms and structural support elements use rigid materials to maintain shape and provide structural strength. This local differentiation allows the cover to simultaneously achieve track conformity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover employs composite construction combining flexible materials (such as fabric or rubber) for the cover panels with rigid fastening mechanisms and support structures. This composite approach enables the cover to conform to the track's complex geometry while maintaining sufficient strength to prevent debris dislodgement during transportation.
3Reliability
If the cover is designed to tightly enclose the track to prevent debris escape, then debris containment is improved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be individually positioned and fastened to the track. This segmentation simplifies the installation process compared to a single-piece cover, as each panel can be independently adjusted and secured. The segmented structure still provides tight enclosure around the track to prevent debris escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are designed with flexible edges and adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow the cover to dynamically adapt to the track's shape during installation. The flexible design enables the cover to conform to the track's contours while maintaining a tight seal, and the adjustable fasteners allow for easy installation and removal without requiring complex alignment procedures.
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 device effectively inhibits debris from being dislodged and striking vehicles on the roadway, saving time by not requiring pre-cleaning of tracks before transport and allowing for easy disposal after use.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric tube is attached to the cover for biasing the cover to close around the track when the cover is positioned over the track
Data Source
AI summary
A crawler track cover device for inhibiting debris from being dislodged from a track includes a cover that has an outer wall which is elongated along a longitudinal axis of the cover thereby facilitating the cover to conform to the shape of a track on a crawler vehicle. The cover is comprised of a resilient and tear resistant material thereby facilitating the cover to inhibit debris from being dislodged from the track when the cover is positioned over the track. In this way the cover inhibits the debris from striking a vehicle on a roadway when the crawler vehicle is being transported on a trailer. An elastomeric tube is attached to the cover for biasing the cover to close around the track when the cover is positioned over the track.