Glue-Free Movable Track Model with Dual-Pin Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable track models with dual-pin structures for Armored Fight Vehicle (AFV) models suffer from structural weaknesses, such as non-solid designs, easy wear-out of assembly bumps, difficulty in combining pin bushes and pins, and susceptibility to breakage during coloring, which hinder realistic simulation and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A glue-free movable track model using Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) material for pin bushes and a specifically designed auxiliary clamp system with locating pins and holes, allowing for secure engagement without adhesives, mimicking real dual-pin tracks with improved flexibility and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bumps and recessed holes are used for track assembly, then the structure is simple, but the assembly is easily worn-out and movability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the assembly structure from simple bumps and holes to inclined planes with specific angles (15-45 degrees), transforming the assembly mechanism from point-contact to surface-contact, thereby improving both durability and movability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic assembly mechanism where the track can move along the inclined plane during assembly and operation, allowing the track to self-adjust and maintain movability, unlike the static bump-and-hole structure that wears out
2Reliability
If pin bushes and pins are used for track assembly, then the structure is solid, but it is hard to combine them and needs long manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly into two separate components: the auxiliary clamp with the inclined plane and the track with the corresponding groove. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled quickly by simply engaging the groove with the inclined plane, eliminating the complex multi-step process of combining pin bushes and pins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from a separate fastener (like a pin or bolt) and integrates it into the auxiliary clamp structure itself through the inclined plane design, allowing the clamp to both hold and guide the track assembly in one component, thereby simplifying the assembly process
3Ease of operation
If metal track with dual pins is used, then the movability is high, but it is not included in the model package and requires additional purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary clamp and track assembly into a single integrated unit that can be produced together in the model manufacturing process. The auxiliary clamp incorporates the dual-pin mechanism directly into its structure, allowing the complete movable track assembly to be included in the standard model package without requiring separate metal track purchases
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
The solution enhances the fidelity of AFV model tracks by providing a durable, flexible, and efficient assembly process that closely replicates the movability and structure of real dual-pin tracks, reducing assembly difficulties and improving model realism.
Implementation Method 1
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material is used to make the pin bushes of the track. It thoroughly solves the problem of breakage and structural damage when small pins are engaged with pin bushes in the prior art by taking the advantages of the good extensibility and flexibility of the TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material.
Implementation Method 2
A locating pin is arranged on the upper auxiliary clamp, a locating hole corresponding to the locating pin is arranged on the lower auxiliary clamp, and the locating pin is fit into the locating hole to secure the upper auxiliary clamp and the lower auxiliary clamp.
Data Source
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AI summary
A simple, glue-free movable track model with a dual-pin structure comprises an intermediate connecting component (1), a track shoe (2), elastic pin bushes (58) and an auxiliary clamp; an elastic opening (50) is formed on a rotating shaft hole of the intermediate connecting component (1), and the intermediate connecting component (1) is spliced, in a snap-fit manner, with an intermediate rotating shaft (51) of the track shoe (2) through the elastic opening (50); back-off dowels (21) are arranged at the both ends of the track shoe (2) and are spliced with the elastic pin bushes (58) so that the elastic pin bushes (58) can be fit into the back-off dowels (21) and then securely engaged. The movable track model can realize one-time assembly, reduce manufacturing difficulty and improve manufacturing efficiency.