Pivotable Track Assembly for Uneven Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies in construction machines experience uneven loading and reduced traction due to imbalanced ground pressure distribution, particularly when operating earth-moving tools, leading to premature wear and decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly with pivotable end portions and an actuation system that allows the track assembly to adjust its ground contact based on the proximity to the earth-moving tool, redistributing load and increasing traction by selectively pivoting sections of the track to maintain optimal ground pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the machine uses fixed track assemblies with rigid ground contact, then the structure is simple and stable, but the load distribution becomes uneven and traction is reduced when operating earth-moving tools
Solution Approach 1:
The track assembly incorporates pivotable end portions that can dynamically adjust their position relative to the ground surface based on the proximity to the earth-moving tool. This dynamic adjustment allows the track to adapt to changing load conditions, maintaining optimal ground contact and traction without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly is divided into segmented portions including pivotable end portions and intermediate portions. This segmentation allows different sections of the track to independently respond to load variations, with the end portions pivoting to maintain ground contact while the intermediate portions remain relatively stable, thus improving traction without requiring total structural complexity.
2Force
If additional weight is added to the tool or machine to increase pressure on the tool, then the tool pressure increases, but the loading becomes more uneven and traction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable end portions dynamically adjust the track's ground contact based on the tool's position and loading conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain even loading distribution and optimal traction while still achieving the necessary tool pressure, eliminating the need to add weight that would create uneven loading.
3Ease of manufacture
If the track assembly uses fixed ground contact, then the structure is simple, but premature wear occurs due to uneven loading
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable end portions provide dynamic adaptation to loading conditions, distributing forces more evenly across the track assembly. This dynamic load distribution prevents concentration of stress on specific sections, thereby reducing premature wear and extending track service life while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The track assembly applies local quality by making only the end portions pivotable while keeping the intermediate portions relatively fixed. This localized pivoting capability provides sufficient wear protection at the critical end sections without requiring complete complexity throughout the entire track assembly, balancing manufacturing simplicity with extended service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly of a machine having a pair of parallel main tracks is provided. The pair of parallel main tracks is mounted to a chassis for supporting the machine on a ground surface. Each of the pair of parallel main tracks includes a first end portion and a second end portion coupled to the first end portion. The second end portion is proximate, with respect to the first end portion, to an earth moving tool coupled to a frame of the machine. The second end portion is adapted to pivot about the first end portion. The track assembly further includes an actuation system coupling the frame with the earth moving tool, such that a movement of the actuation system to operate the earth moving tool translates into a pivoting movement of the second end portion for moving the second end portion with respect to the ground surface.