Movable Reel Handling Device for Vehicle Track Sole Changing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling and maintenance of vehicle tracks, particularly tank tracks, are arduous and dangerous due to their mass, requiring a large team of operators and significant mechanical constraints, with existing solutions like forklifts or tractors being inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a moving coil that winds or unwinds the track around its axis, featuring a frame with joints allowing the coil to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, reducing mechanical forces and energy consumption, and a conveyor belt system for sole changing with integrated workstations for dismantling, cleaning, and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the caterpillar is wound on a fixed drum, then the caterpillar can be handled, but significant friction forces occur on the ground requiring oversized motorization
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to follow the caterpillar during winding operations. This dynamic positioning reduces friction between the caterpillar and ground by minimizing resistance forces, thereby reducing the power required for motorization and lowering energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the drum and the caterpillar. This plate guides and holds the caterpillar by pressing its edge against the plate, improving grip and reducing slippage during winding, which decreases the force required and thus reduces energy loss.
2Ease of operation
If a team of operators uses bars to leverage the track, then the track can be moved, but the operation becomes long and arduous
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical leverage using bars and human effort is replaced with an automated winding system. The drum rotates to automatically wind the caterpillar onto itself, eliminating the need for operators to manually position and leverage the track, thereby reducing operation time and physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The caterpillar is made to service itself by winding around its own drum. The system uses the caterpillar's own structure and the drum's rotation to achieve handling, reducing reliance on external manual intervention and equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the caterpillar is placed on its edge for sole changing, then access is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The drum's ability to rotate and change orientation allows the caterpillar to be positioned optimally for sole changing. The drum can be rotated to bring the caterpillar to a convenient working height and orientation, improving access to soles while maintaining simple handling through automated rotation rather than complex positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handling device (2) for a vehicle track (5), characterized in that it comprises a chassis (4) carrying a movable reel (3) having an axis of revolution (6), and comprising a shaft (3b) for winding or unwinding the track (5) around the axis of revolution (6) of the movable reel (3) by means of a first motor. The movable reel (3) comprises a plate (3a) for guiding and holding the track (5) by pressing the edge of the track (5) against the plate (3a). The plate (3a) carrying the reel (5) is mounted relative to the chassis (4) on joints (20) whose axis (called the transverse turning axis (22)) is perpendicular to the axis of revolution (6) of the reel (3). A second motor (7) allows the plate (3a) to be rotated around the transverse turning axis (22) to allow the axis of revolution (6) of the movable reel to pass through the shaft. (3) between a horizontal position and a vertical position,The chassis (4) includes casters (8) for moving the handling device. The invention also relates to a sole-changing device (1) and a method for changing the sole of a vehicle.