Planar Track Link Assembly for Cost-Effective Undercarriage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing costs associated with complex geometric designs in tracked undercarriages, such as those found in earthmoving machines, due to expensive processes like forging and casting, necessitate a more cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
The design of a link assembly for an endless track with inner and outer track links featuring substantially planar sides, pivotally connected at joints, and configured to form discontinuous roller guide surfaces, allowing for simpler manufacturing methods and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex geometric designs are used in track links and idlers, then structural integrity and performance are improved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The track link is divided into multiple planar segments (first link portion, second link portion, third link portion) that can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced with less complex manufacturing operations while maintaining the overall structural integrity through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple planar link portions are combined to form the complete track link assembly. By merging simpler planar components rather than manufacturing a single complex monolithic piece, the invention achieves the required structural integrity through the combined strength of multiple easier-to-manufacture parts.
2Ease of operation
If complex geometric designs with curves, recesses, and projections are used in link sides, then roller guidance and engagement are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex roller guidance function is segmented across multiple planar link portions rather than requiring complex contours on single links. The first, second, and third link portions each provide simple planar surfaces that collectively create the necessary guidance geometry when assembled, reducing the geometric complexity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional complex contours to three-dimensional assembly of multiple planar surfaces. By using multiple flat surfaces arranged in space rather than complex curved surfaces on single components, the patent achieves roller guidance through spatial configuration rather than geometric complexity.
3Reliability
If offset roller rail configurations are used to provide continuous bearing surfaces, then roller engagement is improved, but material usage and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bearing surface function is segmented across multiple link portions rather than requiring a single complex offset roller rail. Each planar link portion provides a segment of the bearing surface, and the assembly of these segments creates the continuous engagement path needed for reliable roller operation, reducing total material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, less expensive planar link portions in place of expensive offset roller rail configurations. While individual planar portions may require more pieces, each piece is cheaper to manufacture, and the overall assembly achieves the same functional reliability at lower material and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A link assembly (48) for an endless track (24) may include a first track link (50, 52) with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe (56, 58), the first track link having substantially planar sides (90, 92). The link assembly may also include a second track link (50, 52) with shoe- mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe (56, 58), the second track link having substantially planar sides (90, 92). Additionally, the link assembly may include a third track link (50, 52) with shoe-mounting structure configured to allow attachment of a track shoe (56, 58), the third track link having substantially planar sides (90, 92), the third track link being pivotally connected to the first track link at a first pivot joint (54), and the third track link being pivotally connected to the second track link at a second pivot joint (54).