Equalizer Bar Pin Mounting for Tracked Vehicle Roller Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between track roller frames and equalizer bars in track-type work machines are prone to complexity, lack durability, and experience issues with pin seizure due to rust or deformation, making assembly and disassembly difficult.
Innovation Solution
A pin with three rotational degrees of freedom is used, projecting from the equalizer bar and seated within a recessed channel in the track roller frame, secured by fasteners that accommodate misalignment and provide a tight, durable fit, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a split cap arrangement is used to mount the equalizer bar to the track roller frame bearing, then the connection can sustain severe loading, but the joint becomes complex and assembly/disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into distinct functional elements: a pin with passage, a fastener, and alignment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall joint design while maintaining strength capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is extracted as a separate, removable component with an integrated passage for the fastener. This extraction simplifies the assembly process by allowing the pin to be installed first, followed by the fastener, eliminating the need for complex split cap arrangements.
2Device complexity
If a traditional pinned connection is used, then the connection can be simple, but the pin is prone to seizure due to rust or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener acts as an intermediary element that secures the pin to the track roller frame. This intermediary connection allows for controlled fastening and includes features like alignment passages and clearance holes that prevent direct contact and potential seizure between the pin and frame surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin design incorporates parameter changes including a specific passage geometry for the fastener, alignment features, and dimensional tolerances that accommodate misalignment. These parameter adjustments prevent binding and seizure while maintaining connection simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pin is rigidly fixed to the equalizer bar, then the connection is stable, but assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection transitions from a rigid fixed state to a dynamically adjustable state during assembly. The pin can be positioned and aligned freely, then the fastener is inserted through the passage to secure it. This dynamic assembly process maintains stability during operation while enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features and passages are preliminarily designed into the pin and frame to guide proper positioning before final fastening. This preliminary alignment action ensures stable connection while simplifying the assembly process by preventing misalignment issues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the connection allows movement between equalizer bar and track roller frame, then flexibility is achieved, but durability decreases under severe loading
Solution Approach 1:
The connection has different local qualities: the pin allows rotational movement flexibility in certain directions, while the fastener provides rigid securing in loading directions. This local differentiation enables both flexibility and durability simultaneously by optimizing each location for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
An equalizer bar for a tracked vehicle is connected to the track roller frames via an arrangement comprising a pin which is swivel ably mounted to the equalizer bar and held rigidly by the track roller frame. The pin is positively held by the track roller frame, for example by channels in which the pin sits such that the side load is at least partially absorbed by the channel walls rather than the fasteners. The fasteners are located such that they experience minimal side load and aid a positive location of the pin in the channels.