Removable Drive Lug for Endless Rubber Track Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endless rubber tracks on multi-surface vehicles deteriorate quickly due to harsh environments, leading to premature failure of vulcanized drive lugs, requiring costly and time-consuming replacement of the entire track.

Innovation Solution

A removable and mechanically secured hard plastic drive lug that can be easily installed on-site to replace worn or missing drive lugs, extending the life of the rubber track and allowing for field repairs without needing a new track.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vulcanized rubber drive lugs are used on endless rubber tracks, then the tracks can operate in harsh environments, but the drive lugs deteriorate quickly and require complete track replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive lug durabilityVSAvoidtrack service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive lug is separated from the rubber track substrate, allowing the lug to be replaced independently when worn. The lug consists of a hard wear-resistant tip portion and a mounting portion that can be detached and reattached to the track, enabling modular replacement rather than replacing the entire track assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive lug combines hard wear-resistant material (such as metal or hard plastic) for the tip portion with a mounting portion that attaches to the rubber track. This composite structure provides both the durability needed for harsh environments and the ability to replace only the worn lug rather than the entire track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complete track replacement is performed when drive lugs wear out, then proper equipment operation is restored, but expensive costs and lost operating time occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment operationVSAvoiddowntime for track replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the drive lug from the track substrate and providing a quick-attach mechanism, only the worn lug needs to be replaced rather than the entire track. This segmented approach allows rapid field replacement of individual lugs, restoring equipment operation without the time-consuming process of replacing complete tracks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Replacement lugs can be prepared in advance and stored on the equipment. When drive lugs wear out, pre-prepared replacement lugs are already available, eliminating the need to order and wait for new tracks. The quick-attach mechanism allows immediate replacement, minimizing downtime and restoring operation rapidly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If vulcanized rubber drive lugs are used, then the tracks provide initial traction, but adjacent lugs must compensate for deteriorated lugs causing additional wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial track functionVSAvoidwear on remaining lugs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drive lug tip portion is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn. Instead of allowing adjacent lugs to compensate and wear out, the worn lug is simply replaced with a new one. The lug tip can be replaced independently multiple times, acting as a disposable or replaceable element that protects the more valuable track substrate and mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If factory-installed vulcanized drive lugs are used, then the tracks are ready for immediate use, but field repair is not possible and complete replacement is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate track readinessVSAvoidfield repair capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The drive lug is segmented into a replaceable tip portion and a mounting portion that interfaces with the track. This segmentation enables field repair by allowing the tip to be detached and replaced with a new one using simple tools, without requiring specialized vulcanization equipment or facilities. The modular design makes repair as easy as changing a bolt or clip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-attach mechanism allows operators to perform drive lug replacements themselves in the field without requiring dealer or factory service. The simple attachment mechanism can be operated with basic tools, enabling self-service repair that restores equipment operation immediately at the worksite without transporting the equipment to a repair center.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7914089B2Method for replacing a drive lug of an endless rubber track

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 BAIR PRODS

AI summary

An individual replacement drive or guide lug for missing or worn lugs located on an inner circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. The lug comprises a body and a fastening including a bolt and washer. To install the drive lug properly, an inner surface of the track where the original vulcanized rubber drive lug was located must be prepared. When the original drive lug fails, it leaves an irregular surface and must be ground flat with the inner track belt substrate. The bolts are then secured through the track and the lug so as to removably secure the lug to the inner surface of the track.