Retrofittable Track Link Tapered Surfaces Manufacturing Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing track links for endless crawler tracks of work machines wear out at different rates, leading to high maintenance and replacement costs due to their complex geometric features, which are expensive to manufacture using processes like forging.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable track link with tapered surfaces is designed to be easily integrated into existing endless crawler tracks, featuring a body with a linear profile and angled surfaces for mating with adjacent links, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly without the need for complex geometric features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex geometric features are used in track links, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track link body is divided into multiple surfaces (first surface, second surface, third surface, fourth surface) with different geometric features. Each surface is configured to engage with specific components (idlers, rollers, ground) to provide necessary strength and durability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surfaces of the track link body are given different geometric characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first and second surfaces have features for engaging idlers and rollers, while the third and fourth surfaces provide ground engagement. This localized optimization ensures each area has the required properties without making the entire component complex to manufacture.
2Reliability
If traditional track links are used, then durability is maintained, but maintenance and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track link body is designed to be manufacturable through cost-effective machining processes rather than expensive forging. While individual links may have simpler construction, the overall system benefits from reduced maintenance costs and easier replacement, as the simplified manufacturing allows for more economical production of replacement links.
3Strength
If forged track links are manufactured, then strength is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is substituted from expensive forging operations to more economical machining processes. The track link body is formed by machining operations that can be performed more efficiently and at lower cost while still achieving the required mechanical properties through proper material selection and surface configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofittable track link, for an endless crawler track, includes a body defining a first side, a second side, a leading strap end, a trailing strap end, an intermediate portion extending between the leading and trailing strap ends and defining a linear profile, a first surface at the leading strap end towards the first side, and a second surface at the trailing strap end towards the second side. The first surface and the second surface are tapered relative to the linear profile to be indented into the body. The first surface is mated with a trailing strap end of a succeeding track link at a first overlapping portion of the retrofittable track link with the succeeding track link. The second surface is mated with a leading strap end of a preceding track link at a second overlapping portion of the retrofittable track link with the preceding track link.