Excavator Rubber Track Lug Configuration for Soft Ground Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber tracks for excavators and track loaders face challenges in securing traction force, especially in soft ground, preventing steel cord exposure, and avoiding edge-cuts, while maintaining flexibility and stability during repetitive motion.
Innovation Solution
The rubber track features first and second lugs with different groove orientations on either side, inclined stepped portions on the back surface for self-cleaning, and side protrusions to enhance traction and prevent edge-cuts, allowing for flexible bending and effective foreign substance removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lugs are arranged to improve traction force, then traveling performance is improved, but the risk of steel cord exposure and edge-cuts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different lug structures at different locations: inner lugs with larger contact area for traction, and outer lugs with smaller contact area and extended width for edge protection. This localized differentiation allows the track to optimize both traveling performance and steel cord protection where needed most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by making the inner and outer lugs structurally different rather than identical. The inner lugs have larger contact areas for propulsion, while outer lugs have extended widths and smaller contact areas for edge protection, creating an asymmetric configuration that simultaneously addresses traction and protection requirements.
2Reliability
If the rubber track structure is reinforced to prevent edge-cuts, then reliability is improved, but flexibility and bending capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible shells by making the outer lug extensions part of the rubber track body itself rather than rigid attachments. These rubber extensions provide edge protection while maintaining the inherent flexibility and bending capability of the rubber material, allowing the track to conform to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing the outer lug extensions to follow the curved contour of the track edge. This curved configuration provides continuous edge protection around the entire perimeter while allowing the track to bend without creating stress concentration points.
3Productivity
If lugs are designed for maximum traction in soft ground, then extraction performance is improved, but the track complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lugs into distinct inner and outer components with different functions. The inner lugs handle primary traction through larger contact areas, while outer lugs provide secondary traction and edge protection through extended widths, creating a segmented system that achieves high extraction performance without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a rubber track used for an excavator, a loader, or the like and prevents occurrence edge-cuts and the like while improving traction force even in the soft ground. The rubber track of the present invention is configured by first lugs 10 which are formed at equal intervals on one side of the inside and the outside in a traveling direction on a surface coming into contact with the ground and have first grooves 12 formed in a width direction; and second lugs 20 which are formed at equal intervals on the other side of the inside and the outside in a traveling direction on a surface coming into contact with the ground and have second grooves 22 formed in the traveling direction. The first lug 10 and the second lug perform independent functions, respectively, and for example, may secure traction force and flexibility, prevent a side slip, and improve extraction performance. In addition, at the outsides of the first lug and the second lug, side protrusions 40 formed to protrude from the surface 2 to the back surface 4 through the side are provided, thereby improving the traction force even in the soft ground. In addition, auxiliary lugs 30 extending in a width direction are provided between the first lug and the second lug, thereby preventing exposure of a steel cord and improving traction force in the soft ground.