Modular Track Tensioning Spring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track tensioning systems for track-driven vehicles face difficulties in servicing and replacing recoil springs, particularly in field conditions, due to high preloads and the need for specialized equipment, which complicates the process and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular spring assembly with a preloaded spring shaft that can be easily coupled to a separable actuator or cylinder, allowing for different spring assemblies with varying load capabilities to be used with the same actuator, and featuring a reversible spring plate for adjustable pre-load, enabling easy replacement and adaptation to different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a traditional integrated track tensioning system is used, then the system provides track tension, but servicing and replacing springs in the field is difficult and dangerous due to high preloads and lack of conveyable equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The track tensioning system is divided into separate modular components: a spring assembly with spring shaft that can be pre-assembled and tested separately, and a cylinder assembly that remains on the vehicle. This segmentation allows the spring assembly to be serviced, pre-loaded, and replaced as a complete unit in the field without requiring specialized equipment or dealing with dangerous high preloads during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly can be pre-assembled, pre-loaded, and tested before being installed on the vehicle. This preliminary action allows all complex servicing operations to be performed in a controlled shop environment rather than in the field, eliminating safety risks associated with field spring replacement while ensuring the assembly is ready for immediate installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different spring assemblies with varying load capabilities are needed, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder assembly is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple different spring assemblies having varying load capabilities and characteristics. The standardized interface between the cylinder and spring assemblies allows a single cylinder design to serve multiple applications, achieving versatility without increasing cylinder complexity. Different spring assemblies can be attached to the same cylinder depending on the specific load requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring shaft is integral with the cylinder rod, then manufacturing is simplified, but field servicing and spring replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring shaft is made as a separate component from the cylinder rod, creating a modular spring assembly that can be detached and replaced independently. This segmentation sacrifices some manufacturing simplicity but enables easy field servicing where the entire spring assembly can be removed and replaced as a unit without working inside the cylinder or dealing with integrated components.
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
This solution allows for efficient and safe servicing of track tensioning systems by enabling the use of different spring assemblies with the same actuator, accommodating varying loads and conditions, and providing adjustable pre-load without requiring extensive equipment or system replacement.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring module is self contained and has a spring shaft that can be inserted and removed from a bore in a piston rod or shaft extending from a cylinder or actuator that provides pre-load for the tensioning assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A spring loaded track tensioning assembly (16) for a track (14) on a track driven vehicle (10) has a spring subassembly (44) that is retained on a spring shaft (46) under a preload with a first fixed spring retainer (52) and a second slidable spring retainer (60). The spring shaft (46) has an outer end (66) that extends beyond the second spring retainer and the outer end is slidably received in a bore (38) in a piston or actuator shaft (30) of a grease cylinder (32), with the end of the shaft (30) bearing on the second spring retainer (60). The grease cylinder (32) contacts and applies a force to the second spring retainer (60), for initial positioning of the tensioning assembly (16), and additional loads on the first spring retainer (60) that compress the spring (48) cause the outer end of the spring shaft (66) to slide in the bore (38) of the actuator shaft (30) as the second spring retainer (60) slides along the spring shaft (46).