Modular Track Connection for Harvesting Machine Axles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled harvesting machines require significant conversion effort to switch between caterpillar tracks and tires, especially when adapting the drive motor and transmission units, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular caterpillar connection system for self-propelled harvesting machines, featuring a carrier element with a bearing that allows for easy storage and mounting of either caterpillar tracks or tires on the drive axle body, utilizing a quick-release axle and clamping brackets to facilitate quick conversion between modes without the need to remove or add transmission parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a support plate with final drive unit and transmission system is used to enable crawler track operation, then the harvesting machine can operate on soft soils, but the assembly effort and complexity increase significantly when converting between tire and track modes
Solution Approach 1:
The drive axle body is divided into separate functional modules: a support element that can independently be configured for either tire or track operation, and a final drive unit. The support element includes a first bearing for tire operation and a second bearing for track operation, allowing the track-specific components to be segmented and only installed when needed, rather than permanently integrated into the drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate both tire and track operations. It includes mounting structures and bearings that serve dual purposes: supporting tires directly in one configuration and supporting crawler tracks via the second bearing in another configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures for each operation mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transmission system is added to compensate for drive speed ratio differences, then crawler track operation is enabled, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is extracted from the permanent structure and made interchangeable. The final drive unit includes a transmission system that can be removed and reinstalled as needed when converting between operation modes. This allows the transmission system to be taken out during tire operation and installed during track operation, rather than being permanently integrated into the drive axle body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing axis is arranged eccentrically to enable pendulum-like mounting, then adaptability to different ground conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second bearing is designed to allow dynamic adjustment of the crawler track mounting position. The bearing axis can be arranged eccentrically to the drive axis, enabling the track to mount in a pendulum-like manner that adapts to ground conditions. This dynamic capability allows the track to self-adjust during operation rather than requiring a fixed rigid mounting structure.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular track attachment (7) for a self-propelled harvesting machine, which is designed to be attached to one end (501, 502) of a drive axle body (5) and which comprises a support element (71) on which a bearing (78) is arranged. The present invention further relates to a drive axle assembly (1) with a drive axle body (5) and two such modular track attachments (7), as well as a self-propelled harvesting machine with such a drive axle assembly (1).