Crawler Track Drive Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the track of a crawler belt in agricultural machines is complex and energy-consuming, requiring iterative test drives to ensure proper alignment, leading to wear and unnecessary friction.
Innovation Solution
A crawler track with an actuating mechanism accessible from one side, featuring a translation element that converts linear movement into rotational movement for easy adjustment of the second main wheel, and an automatic adjustment device using sensors and actuators to correct belt tension and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adjustment mechanism is designed to pivot the second main wheel about a vertical track adjustment axis, then the track width can be adjusted to improve durability, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and requires iterative test drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional manual adjustment mechanism with an automated actuating system. The actuating means (motor-driven mechanism) automatically pivots the second main wheel about the vertical track adjustment axis, eliminating the need for manual operation and iterative test drives. This mechanical substitution transforms a time-consuming manual process into an automated, precise, and rapid adjustment operation, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and time loss.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism requires access from both longitudinal sides of the crawler track, then the adjustment can be performed, but the ease of operation is reduced due to complex access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the actuating means exclusively on one longitudinal side of the crawler track. Instead of requiring symmetric access from both sides, the automated actuating mechanism is located on a single side, making the adjustment process as easy as accessing one side of the machine. This asymmetric design simplifies operation while the internal mechanical linkage handles the complexity of pivoting the main wheel about the vertical axis, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative manual adjustment is performed to achieve proper track alignment, then the track can be centered on main wheels, but friction and energy consumption increase due to lateral guidance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces iterative manual adjustment with an automated actuating system that precisely positions the second main wheel. The motor-driven mechanism directly pivots the wheel to the correct angular position without requiring repeated test drives and manual corrections. This eliminates the lateral guidance friction associated with manual adjustment and achieves precise track alignment in a single automated operation, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and energy consumption.
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
Simplifies the adjustment process, reduces wear and energy consumption, and allows for automatic correction of the crawler belt track during operation, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a translation element (11), which is pivotable about a supporting element (34) of the crawler track (1) around the steering axis (8), with the translation element (11) and the second main wheel (5) being pivotable relative to each other around the steering axis (8), wherein the actuating means (9, 10) interact with the translation element (11) at a measured distance from the latter, by means of which a linear movement of at least part of the actuating means (9, 10) into a rotational movement of the translation element (11) can be transferred, from which in turn a rotational movement of the second main wheel (5) around the steering axis (8) results
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a crawler track (1) for an agricultural machine (2), comprising two main wheels (4, 5) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (3) of the crawler track (1) and opposite each other, at least one endless track (6) spanning the main wheels (4, 5), an adjustment mechanism (7) for setting a track width of the track (6), wherein at least one first main wheel (4) is designed as a drive wheel and interacts with the track (6) in such a way that a torque transmitted to the first main wheel (4) can be transmitted to the track (6) and the track (6) can thus be driven in rotation around the main wheels (4, 5), wherein the adjustment mechanism (7) interacts with the second main wheel (5) in such a way that an angular position of the second main wheel (5) relative to a vertical track adjustment axis (8) can be changed.In order to produce a tracked undercarriage in which the track of the track belt is as easy to adjust as possible, it is proposed according to the invention that the adjustment mechanism (7) comprises at least one actuating means (9, 10) by means of which the angular position of the second main wheel (5) can be changed indirectly or directly, wherein the actuating means (9) is arranged such that it can be actuated from a longitudinal side of the tracked undercarriage (1).