Oscillating Track Locking for Stability on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy construction equipment with oscillating tracks face the challenge of inadvertently oscillating off a set position when stopped on undulating terrain, necessitating a mechanism to switch between a free oscillating and locked position.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating track system with an oscillating track lock subsystem that includes a housing, axle, wheels, and a hydraulic cylinder system with a valve and accumulator to transition between free oscillation and locked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillating track system is allowed to freely oscillate to accommodate undulating terrain, then the equipment can adapt to uneven ground and maintain stability during movement, but when stopped, the tracks may inadvertently oscillate off a set position causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating track system employs a dynamic locking mechanism that can switch between two states: a locked state when the equipment is stationary to maintain position stability, and an unlocked state during movement to allow terrain adaptation. The hydraulic cylinder with valve control enables this dynamic transition, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability based on operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the oscillating mechanism from fixed to variable. By using a hydraulically actuated locking mechanism controlled by a valve, the system can adjust its degree of freedom - locked when stationary for stability, unlocked when moving for terrain adaptation - thus resolving the contradiction through parameter change
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent oscillation when stopped, then position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic locking mechanism using a cylinder and valve system to control the oscillating tracks. This hydraulic approach provides reliable locking capability while being compact and controllable, adding necessary functionality without excessive mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating track system with hydraulic locking is designed to be self-contained, with the locking mechanism integrated into the existing oscillating structure. The system uses its own hydraulic fluid and control valve to manage locking and unlocking, reducing the need for external complex control systems
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
Provides stability to the equipment by locking the oscillating tracks in place when stopped, preventing unintended oscillation and maintaining stability on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillating track lock subsystem may include at least one hydraulic cylinder comprising a barrel, a piston and a rod. The valve may be configured to allow in the open flow state to allow flow of hydraulic fluid between an upper volume and a lower volume defined within the barrel of the at least one hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The exemplary subsystem may also include an accumulator in fluid communication with the valve and operable to contain hydraulic fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments, aspects and features an oscillating track system that includes an oscillating track lock subsystem. The oscillating track system may include a track operable to rotate around a housing structure that is configured to receive an axle. While in operation, i.e. while the track is being rotated around the housing, the oscillating track system may be able to oscillate about the axle and, in doing so, incline or decline to accommodate undulating terrain. Advantageously, when stopped, the degree to which the oscillating track system has oscillated around the axle may be locked in place via an oscillating track lock subsystem comprised within the oscillating track system, thereby providing stability to the heavy equipment that includes the oscillating track system.