Roller Collar Guard Plate Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undercarriage track rollers in construction machines are prone to fouling due to debris accumulation between the rim and collar, leading to internal seal damage and propulsion system issues, despite existing labyrinthine structures that are ineffective against fine particles.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a variably angled collar face and a guard plate that forms a labyrinth with the rim, allowing debris to escape while keeping larger particles out, reducing the risk of fouling and internal seal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tight labyrinthine spacing is used between collar and rim to prevent debris ingress, then larger debris is blocked, but fine particles cannot escape and accumulate causing fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into two functional zones: an upper tight labyrinthine spacing for blocking larger debris, and a lower wider spacing for allowing fine particles to escape. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spacing characteristics are applied to different locations of the collar. The upper portion has tight labyrinthine spacing specifically for blocking larger debris, while the lower portion has wider spacing specifically for allowing fine particle escape. Each location has the quality needed for its specific function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tight labyrinthine spacing is used between collar and rim, then larger debris is blocked, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into upper and lower portions with different spacing characteristics, allowing a relatively simple single-piece collar structure to provide both debris blocking and fine particle escape functions without requiring multiple complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single collar component performs multiple functions: blocking larger debris through the upper labyrinthine spacing and allowing fine particle escape through the lower wider spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Productivity
If undercarriage track roller is operated without preventive maintenance, then productivity is maintained, but internal seals are damaged by accumulated debris
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure enables the track roller to protect itself by allowing fine particles to escape through the lower wider spacing. The design automatically prevents debris accumulation and seal damage without requiring external monitoring or preventive maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar structure proactively prevents debris accumulation before it can damage the internal seals. By providing an escape path for fine particles, the design anticipates and prevents the fouling problem before it occurs, eliminating the need for reactive maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction machine includes a chassis, at least one continuous track supporting the chassis, at least one rim operatively associated with the continuous track, a shaft rotatably associated with the rim, and a collar operatively associated with the shaft and a guard plate. The collar has a variably angled face interfacing with the rim, and a labyrinth is formed between the collar and the rim via the variably angled face.