Replaceable Track Sensors for Real-Time Overheating Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track systems face challenges in monitoring track characteristics, particularly temperature, due to the high velocity and localized heat generation of tracks during operation, leading to potential overheating and irreversible damage.

Innovation Solution

The integration of removable sensors into sensor-receiving cavities within the tracks allows for real-time monitoring of track characteristics such as temperature, pressure, and velocity, enabling proactive measures to prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If speed restrictions are imposed to avoid overheating tracks, then track temperature is controlled, but vehicle productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack temperatureVSAvoidvehicle speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time temperature monitoring of tracks using sensors that provide feedback to the control system. This allows the vehicle to dynamically adjust operating parameters based on actual track temperature conditions, enabling operation at higher speeds when temperatures are acceptable and providing early warning before overheating occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining temperature control and preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into tracks, then track characteristics can be monitored, but track complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack characteristic monitoringVSAvoidtrack structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function into separate, modular sensor units that can be independently installed and removed from the track system. These sensors are placed in sensor-receiving cavities or mounted on the track surface, allowing monitoring capabilities to be added without permanently complicating the track structure itself, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables effective monitoring and management of track conditions, reducing the risk of overheating and extending the lifespan of the tracks by allowing for timely intervention and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

temperature sensors that sense a temperature of the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

pressure sensors that sense contact pressure between the track and the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 3

vibration sensors that sense vibration of the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12280662B2Sensing track characteristics on a track vehicle using replaceable track sensors

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A track for a track vehicle has sensor-receiving cavities disposed therein. Removeable sensors are placed in the sensor-receiving cavities for sensing characteristics of the track during operation.