Tracked Roller Assembly Temperature Sensing Without Lubricant Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracked undercarriage roller assemblies face issues with lubricant leakage and premature degradation due to unsuitable lubrication, leading to increased friction and potential damage from high temperatures, which are not effectively monitored by existing temperature measurement methods.

Innovation Solution

A temperature transducer is positioned inside the shaft of the roller assembly, radially spaced from the bushing to measure shaft temperature, preventing lubricant leakage and allowing early detection of abnormal temperature increases, with a housing seat aligned axially and sealed to prevent lubricant loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with the bushing to accurately measure bushing temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but lubricant leakage occurs and the sensor is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebushing temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor protection and lubrication integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the shaft as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the bushing to the temperature sensor. The sensor measures shaft temperature rather than direct bushing temperature, and the shaft's thermal conductivity ensures accurate temperature transmission without requiring sensor contact with the bushing, thus preventing lubricant leakage and sensor damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the temperature sensor and bushing with a thermal field-based measurement approach. By measuring the shaft temperature which thermally couples to the bushing, the system achieves accurate temperature monitoring without mechanical intrusion into the lubricated interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the roller assembly operates under high load and speed conditions to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but temperature increases leading to lubrication failure and component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating speed and load capacityVSAvoidbushing and roller assembly temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the shaft temperature and comparing it against threshold values. When abnormal temperature increases are detected, the system can trigger alerts or shutdown sequences, allowing operators to adjust operating conditions or maintenance schedules to prevent lubrication failure and component damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary detection of temperature abnormalities before they lead to lubrication failure. By monitoring temperature trends and detecting early signs of overheating, the system allows for preventive maintenance actions to be taken before actual damage occurs, extending component life and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If existing temperature monitoring methods are used, then device complexity is kept low, but abnormal temperature increases are not detected early enough to prevent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring system complexityVSAvoidtime to detect and respond to temperature abnormalities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the temperature monitoring function from complex external monitoring systems and integrates it directly into the roller assembly structure. The housing seat and shaft temperature measurement capability are built into the existing components, providing early temperature detection without adding significant system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables early intervention to prevent irreversible damage by detecting abnormal temperature increases, maintaining lubrication and ensuring the functional integrity of the roller assembly.

Implementation Method 1

A temperature transducer is positioned inside the shaft of the roller assembly, radially spaced from the bushing to measure shaft temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260015052A1Tracked undercarriage roller assembly with temperature monitoring

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ITALTRACTOR ITM SPA

AI summary

A tracked undercarriage roller assembly including a roller body having a through cavity delimited by a radially inner surface, a shaft in the through cavity, a bushing extending from a first axial end to a second axial end and radially interposed between the roller body and the shaft, an annular chamber at least partially filled with a lubricant and radially interposed between the shaft and the bushing, a housing seat in the shaft including an inlet portion facing an axial end surface of the shaft and a measuring portion inside the shaft in an axial position between the first and second axial ends of the bushing, wherein the inlet portion and the measuring portion are aligned along an axial direction. A temperature transducer is inside the housing seat at the measuring portion, wherein the measuring portion is at a radial distance from the bushing between 8 millimetres and 50 millimetres.