Segmented Bushings for Idler Wheel Shaft Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotating attachment assemblies for idler wheels in track-driven undercarriages face challenges in quick maintenance due to shaft wear, leading to costly operational downtime and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotating member attachment assembly featuring a shaft with bushings and a coupler design that allows for easy servicing, including a stepped configuration with bushings that absorb loads and can be replaced independently of the shaft, enabling quick re-centering and maintenance without full replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shaft is replaced when worn, then the reliability of the rotating attachment is maintained, but the loss of time and cost increase due to complete replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly is segmented into replaceable components (bushings) that can be independently replaced from the shaft. This allows the bushings to be replaced without removing the shaft, reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushings are extracted as separate replaceable components from the shaft assembly. This extraction enables independent replacement of worn bushings without replacing the entire shaft assembly, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs.
2Reliability
If the entire shaft assembly is replaced, then the reliability is maintained, but the cost of replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into modular components where bushings can be replaced independently. This segmentation allows selective replacement of only the worn bushings rather than the entire shaft assembly, reducing material waste and replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of worn bushings while recovering and reusing the shaft and coupler components. This extends the service life of expensive components and reduces the frequency and cost of complete replacements.
3Ease of repair
If bushings are replaced independently, then the ease of repair improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly is segmented with the bushings positioned in recesses within the coupler, allowing independent access and replacement. This segmentation simplifies repair procedures while the modular design keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component that holds the bushings in accessible positions. This intermediary structure enables easy replacement of bushings by providing a stable mounting platform and access points, simplifying the repair process.
4Ease of manufacture
If a stepped configuration with ledges is used, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler hole is segmented into multiple cylindrical sections with different diameters, creating ledges at specific locations. This segmentation provides manufacturing advantages by allowing step-by-step formation of features while requiring precision at each step to ensure proper fit and function.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating member attachment assembly includes a shaft including a cylindrical configuration defining a cylindrical axis, a first axial end and a second axial end along the cylindrical axis; a first coupler defining a first hole that defines a first hole axis and that is configured to receive the shaft, the first coupler further including a first inner axial end, and a first outer axial end; a first shaft bushing disposed on the shaft at the first axial end; and a first coupler bushing disposed in the first hole of the first coupler.