Crawler Crane Undercarriage With Modular Track Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undercarriages for crawler vehicles require multiple undercarriages for different track widths, leading to logistical challenges and increased weight during transport due to adjustment mechanisms that complicate and weight the frame.
Innovation Solution
An undercarriage design with a frame center section and elongated beam elements that can be attached, featuring locking elements and positioning cams to allow variable track width adjustment without separate undercarriages, enabling quick and easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parallelogram links are attached to the center section of the tracked chassis to adjust track width, then variable track width is achieved, but the weight of the middle section of the frame increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The undercarriage is divided into separate modular components: the frame center section, beam elements, and crawler carriers. These segments can be independently attached and detached, allowing the beam elements to be removed during transport to reduce weight while maintaining variable track width capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The track width is made dynamically adjustable through locking elements that can engage at different positions along the beam element. This allows the track width to be changed based on operational requirements without permanently increasing the weight of the frame structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different undercarriages are maintained for different track widths, then track width variability is achieved, but logistical effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single frame center section design serves multiple track width configurations through the use of locking elements at different positions. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized undercarriages, reducing logistical complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable locking mechanism allows one undercarriage to dynamically adapt to different track width requirements, replacing the need for multiple static undercarriage configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallelogram links are used for track adjustment, then track width variability is achieved, but extensive modifications are required when adjusting the track
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the beam element from the frame center section allows for simple attachment and detachment without extensive modifications. The beam element can be independently positioned and secured using locking elements, simplifying the adjustment process.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the beam element is permanently attached to the frame center section, then structural stability is improved, but transport weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the beam element and frame center section is made dynamically adjustable through locking elements. During operation, the locking elements secure the beam element to provide structural stability. During transport, the beam element can be detached to reduce weight, as the locking mechanism allows for easy attachment and detachment without compromising structural integrity when engaged.
Data Source
Figure 1~1c
Figure 2~2c
Figure 3~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an undercarriage for a work machine, in particular a crawler crane, having a frame central part (for receiving a superstructure of the work machine), an elongate strut element which can be mounted on the frame central part, and a crawler support for supporting a crawler chain, wherein the crawler support has a recess for the passage of the strut element, and the strut element along its longitudinal direction has a plurality of spaced-apart locking elements for fixing the crawler support at different longitudinal positions of the strut element.