Rubber Caterpillar Track Mold Segments for Tension Member Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing rubber crawler tracks with tension members often result in the displacement of these members during the vulcanization process, leading to reduced tensile force transmission and shorter lifespan due to uneven pressure distribution and material flow.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize outer mold segments with radial recesses for external teeth, allowing for the use of pre-shaped elements and a deformable jacket to minimize pressure and prevent tension member displacement, enabling vulcanization in an autoclave without high pressure, which maintains the original arrangement of tension members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the unvulcanized rubber track body is pressed to form the outer contour, then the outer profile can be formed from the radially outer unvulcanized material, but the tensile members are displaced from their original position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the outer teeth as separate molded elements before assembly. These pre-formed elements are inserted into the rubber track body after vulcanization, ensuring that the tensile members are not displaced during the pressing operation. The outer teeth are molded with the correct shape and size in advance, then integrated into the track body, eliminating the need to press the entire unvulcanized body to form the outer contour.
2Quantity of substance
If high pressure is applied during vulcanization to form the track body, then the rubber material can be densely packed, but the tensile members experience uneven pressure distribution and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outer tooth formation into separate molded elements rather than forming them as part of the continuous rubber track body. This segmentation allows the rubber material to be densely packed during vulcanization without subjecting the tensile members to high pressure, since only the rubber material undergoes compression while the pre-formed outer teeth remain as discrete components inserted afterward.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tensile members are enclosed within the track body during vulcanization, then the track structure is consolidated, but the tensile members may not be fully extended circumferentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the outer teeth as separate molded elements with the correct circumferential extension before insertion into the rubber track body. This ensures that when the track is assembled and vulcanized, the tensile members remain fully extended circumferentially in their neutral position, maintaining their ability to transmit tensile force while still being enclosed within the consolidated track structure.
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 approach reduces tension member displacement, enhances durability, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing for the production of rubber crawler tracks with improved tensile force transmission and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
pressing a cylindrical outer mold, which has the outer contour of the profile on its inner surface, and the unvulcanized rubber crawler track together, so that the outer unvulcanized material is deformed to form the profile
Implementation Method 2
Vulcanization then takes place inside the press
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device and method for producing a rubber caterpillar track with tensile members. The present invention relates to a device for producing a rubber caterpillar track (3) with tensile members (33), having a cylindrical internal shape (1) for forming the inside contour of the rubber caterpillar track (3), wherein the internal shape (1) has a cylindrical dome (10) which, in the circumferential direction (U) on its radial outer side, has a plurality of recesses (11) for accommodating unvulcanized shaped elements for internal teeth (30), and having a cylindrical external shape (2) for forming the outside contour of the rubber caterpillar track (3), wherein the external shape (2) has a plurality of external shape segments (21) in the circumferential direction (U). The external shape segments (21) each have a recess (22) on their radial inner side for accommodating an unvulcanized shaped element for external teeth (31). The invention further relates to a method for producing a rubber caterpillar track with tensile members .