Modular Track Construction Machine with Grid-Mounted Drive Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of track construction machines is complex due to the numerous configurations and varying lengths required by different combinations of drive technology and tools, leading to increased production time, maintenance challenges, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with standardized assembly points and interchangeable modules for drive technology and tools, allowing for quick assembly and maintenance, and enabling the use of prefabricated components with uniform interfaces, reducing the need for custom designs and simplifying documentation and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a track construction machine is equipped with different combinations of drive technology and tools to meet various operational requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the machine is improved, but the production time and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drive technology components are divided into modular units with standardized interfaces and mounting points. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled, allowing rapid configuration changes without redesigning the entire system. This segmentation enables parallel production of different module combinations, significantly reducing production time while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting system with standardized interfaces is implemented across all drive technology modules. The same mounting points and connection standards are used for different tool combinations and drive configurations, allowing a single base platform to support multiple operational configurations. This universality eliminates the need for custom designs for each configuration, reducing manufacturing complexity and production time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between bogies and overall vehicle length are varied to accommodate different tool arrangements, then the adaptability of the machine is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the distance between bogies and the position of mounting points to be modified. This dynamic capability enables the same frame to accommodate different vehicle lengths and tool arrangements without requiring multiple specialized frame designs, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal frame design with standardized mounting points arranged in a grid pattern is used. These mounting points can accommodate tools at various positions and orientations, allowing the same frame structure to support different vehicle configurations. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom frame designs for each configuration, reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exchange modules are used to achieve different tool configurations, then the versatility of the machine is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Tools and drive components are segmented into standardized modules with uniform mounting interfaces. Each module is designed to be independently installed or removed at predefined mounting points, simplifying the assembly process. The segmentation allows operators to configure different tool combinations using the same set of standardized modules, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
All mounting interfaces and connection points are designed with homogeneous standards throughout the system. This homogeneity ensures that all modules can be installed using the same procedures and fastening mechanisms, regardless of their position or function. This uniformity simplifies assembly operations and reduces the learning curve for operators, improving ease of operation while maintaining configuration versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a track construction machine, wherein first functional modules for the drive of the track construction machine are provided, the different lengths of which differ by a certain grid dimension, wherein after selection of the functional modules to be used the frame of the track construction machine is manufactured, which has fastening points arranged in this grid dimension, to which the functional modules with their mounting points are attached, wherein when selecting the functional modules, documentation of the track construction machine is also automatically created, in which the selected functional modules are depicted and their functions are explained.