Elastomeric Bearing Link Joint for Crawler Work Vehicle Track Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler type work vehicles with steel endless tracks face reduced operating life due to seal failures in link joints, allowing lubricant leakage and dirt entry, which shortens the track chain's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastomeric bearings with alternating metal and elastomer layers in link joints to create a sealed environment without the need for lubrication, allowing for sufficient pivoting motion and preventing foreign matter entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If sealed and lubricated link joints are used, then wear life is extended, but seal failure occurs allowing lubricant leakage and dirt entry
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the lubricant and seal components from the link joint system. By using the elastomeric bearing's inherent sealing properties and self-lubricating characteristics, the design removes the separate lubricant reservoir and seal elements that are prone to failure, thereby extending operating life without compromising seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the bearing surface by using elastomeric material with inherent lubricating properties. The elastomeric bearing material provides self-lubrication through its material characteristics rather than relying on external lubricant, and provides sealing through its elastic deformation capabilities, fundamentally changing how wear protection and sealing are achieved.
2Device complexity
If traditional pinned link joints are used, then simple construction is achieved, but wear and dirt entry reduce operating life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite elastomeric bearing material that combines the properties of rubber (for damping and sealing) with embedded lubricating agents or self-lubricating characteristics. This composite material provides both the simplicity of a single-component design and the durability of protected moving surfaces, eliminating wear issues associated with traditional metal-on-metal pinned joints.
3Reliability
If elastomeric bearings are used to seal link joints, then lubrication is eliminated and sealing is improved, but pivoting motion must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bearing material's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform under load to accommodate pivoting motion while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The material's ability to change its mechanical parameters (from rigid to flexible) based on applied stress enables it to provide both sealing and smooth pivoting action without requiring separate lubrication mechanisms.
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 elastomeric bearing solution extends the wear and operating life of track chains by eliminating the need for lubrication and sealing, thereby enhancing durability and reducing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Each elastomeric bearing includes a plurality of alternating metal layers 52 and elastomer layers 54
Implementation Method 2
Each elastomeric bearing includes an inside diameter (ID) engaging the pin and an outside diameter (OD) engaging a link and/or bushing
Data Source
AI summary
A track chain assembly for a crawler type work vehicle includes a plurality of links pivotally connected together at respective link joints. Each link joint includes a bushing, a pin, and at least one elastomeric bearing. Each elastomeric bearing includes an inside diameter (ID) engaging the pin and an outside diameter (OD) engaging a link and/or bushing. Each elastomeric bearing includes a plurality of alternating metal layers and elastomer layers.