Construction Machine Leg Assembly Steering Ring Keyway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leg assemblies for construction machines require different configurations to enable crawler track rotation, depending on whether a slew drive or hydraulic smart steering cylinder is used, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A leg assembly that includes a steering ring with a cylindrical collar, key, wear pad, and retainer, coupled with a tube weldment and hydraulic actuator, allowing for rotation of the crawler assembly relative to the guide tube through a keyway mechanism, compatible with both slew drives and hydraulic steering cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different leg configurations are used for slew drive and hydraulic smart steering cylinder, then each power drive can be properly supported, but device complexity and the number of required configurations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering ring with keyway mechanism is designed to be universally compatible with both slew drives and hydraulic smart steering cylinders. The key coupled with the key-seat in the cylindrical collar translates rotational movements from either power drive type to rotate the tube weldment, eliminating the need for different leg configurations while maintaining proper support for each power drive type
2Adaptability or versatility
If a keyway mechanism is introduced to translate rotational movements, then compatibility with both slew drives and hydraulic steering cylinders is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The key is nested within the cylindrical collar which has a key-seat, and the steering ring encompasses both. This nested arrangement allows the keyway mechanism to be integrated within the existing steering ring structure, adding functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wear pad is added between key and keyway, then wear on key and keyway is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wear pad acts as an intermediary element between the key and the keyway. This sacrificial component absorbs wear through friction during rotation, protecting the more critical key and keyway structures. The wear pad can be easily replaced when worn, simplifying maintenance compared to replacing the entire steering ring assembly
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 flexible and efficient control of crawler track rotation and machine height, reducing the need for multiple leg configurations and enhancing operational versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator configured to actuate to linearly translate the tube weldment relative to the guide tube
Implementation Method 2
a wear pad configured to interface between the key and the keyway and reduce wear between the key and the keyway during rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A leg assembly includes a guide tube, a power drive coupled to a flange of the guide tube, a steering ring coupled to the power drive, a tube weldment coupled to the steering ring, and a hydraulic actuator coupled within the guide tube and within the tube weldment. The power drive includes a slew drive or a hydraulic cylinder steering assembly. The tube weldment is translated through the power drive by the actuator. The steering ring includes one or more pistons by which relative rotational movements may be imparted to the tube weldment by a socketing action. The steering ring is rotated by the power drive. Thus, the guide tube may be rotated relative to the tube weldment.