Track Identification via Bolt Head Orientation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track identification methods face challenges in maintaining accurate records due to physical identifications wearing off in extreme worksite conditions, making it difficult to track the tracks and their installations on machines.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize orientation information of bolt heads on undercarriage joints of tracks to generate unique identifications, which are then matched with database entries to accurately identify and track the tracks, even after servicing or replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical identification methods (etched, stamped, or tagged serial numbers) are used on tracks, then track identification is possible, but the identification wears off or breaks due to extreme worksite conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack identification accuracyVSAvoididentification durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the track's physical characteristics by capturing images of the bolt head orientations and converting them into identification data. This digital representation serves as a durable identifier that doesn't physically wear off like traditional serial numbers, while still uniquely identifying the specific track configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical identification methods (etched, stamped, or tagged serial numbers) with an optical/electronic system that captures images of bolt head orientations and processes them through software to generate unique track identifiers. This substitution eliminates the wear and damage issues inherent in physical identification methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If tracks are serviced or replaced with new components, then machine operation is maintained, but accurate tracking of track history and wear becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine operational availabilityVSAvoidtrack service history

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the identified track information is stored in a database and updated when servicing occurs. This creates a continuous record-keeping system that tracks the service history, component replacements, and wear patterns of each specific track configuration over time, enabling better maintenance planning while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If unique physical identification is attached to tracks, then traceability is improved, but the identification is vulnerable to wearing off or breaking in extreme conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack traceabilityVSAvoidextreme worksite conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the track's physical characteristics by capturing images of the bolt head orientations and converting them into identification data. This digital representation serves as a durable identifier that doesn't physically wear off like traditional serial numbers, while still uniquely identifying the specific track configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical identification methods (etched, stamped, or tagged serial numbers) with an optical/electronic system that captures images of bolt head orientations and processes them through software to generate unique track identifiers. This substitution eliminates the wear and damage issues inherent in physical identification methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250139822A1Identification of a track based on track bolt orientation

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

Method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for identifying a track based on orientation information of one or more bolt heads on ground-engaging sides of one or more undercarriage joints of the track are provided. The method includes receiving the orientation information of the one or more bolt heads on ground-engaging sides of the one or more undercarriage joints of the track, generating one or more undercarriage joint identifications corresponding to the one or more undercarriage joints based on the orientation information of the one or more bolt heads, matching the track with a specific track in a database based on the one or more undercarriage joint identifications, and identifying the track as the specific track having a specific track identification in the database.