Elastic Peg Connection Assembly for Articulated Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection methods for articulated chains, such as those used in crawler tracks, face challenges with on-site assembly due to the need for high-power presses and result in significant axial play leading to wear and potential structural breakage, especially in heavy applications like mining.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring mutually-pivoted links with transverse holes and a master pin, accompanied by elastic pegs that fit into radial channels, minimizing axial play and allowing for easy assembly with manual tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interference fit is used to rigidly couple the pin to the links, then the relative movement between pin and links is canceled, but a hydraulic press is required for assembly making on-site operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid interference fit to elastic forced fit. The elastic peg is inserted into the radial channel with elastic forcing, creating a connection that is sufficiently rigid to prevent harmful relative movement while being insertable with manual tools rather than hydraulic presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic peg serves as a simple, inexpensive locking element that can be easily replaced if needed. It provides the necessary connection stability through its elastic properties without requiring complex assembly equipment, making it suitable for on-site operations.
2Ease of operation
If master pin with mechanical coupling and play is used, then assembly is easier without hydraulic press, but axial play remains causing wear and reduced lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from loose mechanical coupling with play to elastic forced fit. The elastic peg, when inserted with elastic forcing into the radial channel, eliminates axial play while maintaining ease of assembly with manual tools, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic peg acts as an intermediary element between the master pin and the link holes. It provides the necessary constraint to eliminate play while allowing the assembly to be performed with simple tools. The elastic properties of the peg mediate between the need for stability and the need for ease of assembly.
3Reliability
If abutment shoulder with increased diameter is used to lock the pin, then axial movement is prevented, but the pin cannot be easily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function from the connection function. The elastic peg provides the locking action that prevents axial movement, while the master pin remains a separate element that can be easily removed by simply extracting the peg. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic peg serves as a removable intermediary that provides the locking function. It can be easily inserted and removed with manual tools, allowing the master pin to be replaced without complex operations. The peg mediates between the need for secure locking and the need for easy replaceability.
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 enables easy, cost-effective, and safe assembly of articulated chains, reducing wear and enhancing their durability for use in various environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic peg (12) that can be accommodated, with elastic forcing thereof, in at least one respective radial channel (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for articulated chains which comprise mutually-pivoted links that are split between at least one initial link and at least one terminal link. The assembly comprises transverse holes of the initial link and of the terminal link, which are arranged in mutual alignment when the initial and terminal links are in the coupling configuration; a master pin, with shape and dimensions substantially complementary to those of the holes and adapted to be inserted into those holes in order to couple the initial and terminal links; at least one elastic peg that can be accommodated, with elastic forcing thereof, in at least one respective radial channel which is defined, in its outermost parts, on at least one link chosen from between the initial link and the terminal link and, in its innermost part, on the master pin.