Elastomeric Track Field-Repair Assembly Using Bridging Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric tracks on heavy vehicles can rupture due to material defects, wear, or external damage, making it difficult to repair in the field, especially in hostile or inaccessible locations, and requiring heavy lifting equipment that may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A field-repair assembly comprising transverse members secured by L-shaped retention brackets and connected by flexible cables, with a pliable bridging element to provide additional support and prevent further damage, allowing the vehicle to proceed to a maintenance site without interfering with the driving system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a track is replaced directly in the field, then the vehicle can be restored to full functionality, but heavy lifting equipment is required which may not be available in hostile or inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The track repair problem is segmented into two parts: temporary field repair using the bridging assembly that can be installed without heavy equipment, and permanent repair at a maintenance site. This segmentation allows the vehicle to be restored to sufficient functionality in the field to reach a maintenance location.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging assembly acts as an intermediary component that temporarily replaces the damaged track section. It provides the necessary mechanical function to bridge the gap caused by track damage, allowing the vehicle to operate temporarily until permanent repair can be performed.
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy lifting equipment is dispatched to the location, then track replacement can be performed, but it may be difficult or impossible to reach the affected vehicle in hostile or inaccessible territory
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging assembly is designed to be self-installed using only the vehicle's own track drive system and basic hand tools. The assembly includes self-aligning features that allow it to be positioned and secured without external heavy equipment, enabling the vehicle to perform its own repair operation.
3Reliability
If a repair assembly is mounted to the damaged track area, then the track can be temporarily repaired, but the assembly must not interfere with the driving system of the track
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging assembly applies support locally at the damaged area rather than requiring modification or interference with the entire track driving system. The L-shaped retention brackets are positioned to engage only the specific damaged section, leaving the rest of the track and drive system unchanged and non-interfering.
4Strength
If the repair assembly provides strong support to the damaged area, then further damage is prevented, but the assembly may further damage or weaken the track
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging assembly provides cushioning support beforehand to prevent further damage from occurring. By distributing the load through the L-shaped retention brackets that engage the track sides and inner surface, it prevents additional stress concentration that could cause further track deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.