Multi-Tooth Master Link Structure for Lower Track Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-tooth and single-tooth master links in ground-engaging tracks face issues such as premature failure due to stress concentration, rotation, and rocking, while multi-tooth designs require extensive machining and single-tooth designs lack robust interlock, leading to performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A master link design with half links featuring tooth sets confined between bolt holes, where bolt holes are positioned to avoid overlap with tooth roots, reducing stress concentration and enhancing durability by spacing stress locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple teeth are provided on master link portions to achieve robust interlock, then interlocking strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and machining time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing teeth only at specific locations (forward and rearward ends of the master link portions) rather than distributing multiple teeth along the entire length. This localized approach achieves sufficient interlocking strength at the critical connection points while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity compared to multi-tooth designs.
2Strength
If multiple teeth are provided on master link portions, then interlocking strength is improved, but stress concentration increases leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful stress concentration effect by removing the intermediate teeth that exist in multi-tooth designs. By keeping only the forward and rearward teeth, the design eliminates the multiple radiused tooth surfaces that concentrate stresses, thereby improving reliability and preventing premature failure while maintaining adequate interlocking strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-tooth design is used to reduce manufacturing complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but rotation and rocking occur leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single tooth into two separate teeth located at the forward and rearward ends of the master link portions. This segmentation prevents rotation and rocking by providing interlocking engagement at both ends, thereby improving interlocking stability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity compared to multi-tooth designs.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A ground-engaging track (26) includes a track chain (28) formed of standard links (34) and at least one master link (36). The master link (36) include a first half link (40) and a second half link (42), clamped together by way of a forward bolt (44) and a rearward bolt (46). Clamping surfaces (50,66) of the first half link (40) and the second half link (42) form a first tooth set (52) and a second tooth set (68), respectively, which may include a total of 2 or 3 full teeth and tooth roots, (82,84) confined in distribution between a forward bolt hole (74) and a rearward bolt hole (76).