Flexible Thrust Washer Structure for Track Chain Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thrust rings in track chain assemblies, particularly those made using powered metal sintering, are prone to chipping and wear due to high loads, necessitating frequent replacements and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible thrust washer assembly comprising a body with a conical configuration and slits that separate into fingers to resiliently bend under load, providing a cartridge assembly with enhanced durability and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid thrust ring made using powered metal sintering is used, then the cartridge assembly can support high loads, but the thrust ring becomes chipped or worn over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid thrust ring with a flexible thrust washer assembly comprising a thin metallic body with slit patterns that allow controlled flexibility. The slits create finger-like segments that can elastically deform under load, absorbing impact forces without chipping or wearing. This flexible structure maintains load support capability while eliminating the reliability issues of rigid sintered metal rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the thrust ring by transitioning from a rigid, dense structure to a flexible, slit-patterned structure. The metallic body is formed with controlled slit geometries that modify its mechanical properties, allowing it to flex and return to its original shape, thereby preventing the chipping and wear that plague rigid thrust rings under high load conditions.
2Device complexity
If a rigid thrust ring is used, then the structure is simple, but frequent replacements are needed due to wear and chipping
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thrust washer assembly, while slightly more complex in geometry than a simple rigid ring, eliminates frequent replacements by providing wear-resistant flexible operation. The slit-patterned metallic body maintains structural integrity under repeated loading cycles, significantly reducing maintenance intervals and keeping the machine operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thrust washer is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn, but its extended service life compared to rigid rings reduces overall maintenance frequency. The simplified design and ease of replacement offset the initial complexity, maintaining high productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thrust ring is made from powered metal sintering, then manufacturing is efficient, but the material is prone to chipping and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thrust washer uses a thin metallic body with integrated slit patterns that can be manufactured using stamping or laser cutting processes. This manufacturing approach produces a uniformly flexible structure without the porous, brittle characteristics of sintered metal, eliminating chipping and wear while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through modern sheet metal processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible thrust washer assembly combines a metallic body with elastomeric or polymer materials in certain embodiments, creating a composite structure that leverages the strength and flexibility of both materials. This composite approach provides superior wear and chipping resistance compared to homogeneous sintered metal thrust rings.
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 flexible thrust washer assembly significantly reduces wear and the need for replacements by absorbing loads and maintaining seal integrity, thereby extending the lifespan of track chain components and minimizing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the body defines at least two slits that separate the annular skirt portion into a plurality of fingers that are configured to resiliently bend when a load is applied to the fingers
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible thrust washer member (300) comprises a body (304) including an annular skirt portion (306) that defines an outer diameter (D306) and a central aperture (308) having an inner diameter (D308), wherein the body (304) has a conical configuration that defines a conical axis (310) and a radial direction (R) and the outer diameter (D306) of the annular skirt portion (306) is spaced away from the central aperture (308) along the conical axis (310) and along the radial direction (R), defining an axial dimension (AD306) and a radial dimension (RD306) and the body (304) defines at least two slits (312) that separate the annular skirt portion (306) into a plurality of fingers (314).