Track Chain Bushing Rotation With Releasable Clamp Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track chain systems require significant effort and cost to rotate bushings due to uneven wear, necessitating disassembly and reassembly at service centers, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A track chain assembly with offset links and clamping mechanism that allows bushings to be rotated in place without disassembly, using a clamp force that can be adjusted to facilitate rotation and re-clamping, maintaining the bushing's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the chain is removed from the machine to service bushings, then the bushings can be rotated at a service center, but this requires significant cost, time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The track chain assembly enables the operator to service and rotate bushings independently without requiring removal from the machine or specialized service center equipment. The quick-release link and clamp force mechanism allow the operator to perform bushing rotation in-situ, making the system self-servicing and eliminating dependency on external facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release link is pre-configured with clamp force mechanisms that automatically secure bushings in place during normal operation. When servicing is needed, the clamp force can be quickly released to allow bushing rotation, and then re-applied to secure the rotated bushing, enabling rapid in-situ maintenance without complex disassembly procedures
2Ease of repair
If the chain is removed from the machine for bushing rotation, then bushings can be serviced, but the chain must be sent to a service center with specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The track chain assembly enables the operator to service and rotate bushings independently without requiring removal from the machine or specialized service center equipment. The quick-release link and clamp force mechanism allow the operator to perform bushing rotation in-situ, making the system self-servicing and eliminating dependency on external facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing capability is extracted from the complex service center environment and integrated directly into the track chain assembly itself. The quick-release link and clamp force mechanisms are built into the chain structure, allowing bushing rotation to be performed at the point of need without external equipment
3Stability of the object's composition
If bushings are press-fit into track links, then they remain securely in place, but rotating them requires significant effort and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp force mechanism transitions from a static press-fit condition to a dynamic system where the clamp force can be adjusted or released. This allows the bushing to be securely held during normal operation but easily rotated when needed by temporarily reducing the clamp force through the quick-release link mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release link is pre-configured with clamp force mechanisms that automatically secure bushings in place during normal operation. When servicing is needed, the clamp force can be quickly released to allow bushing rotation, and then re-applied to secure the rotated bushing, enabling rapid in-situ maintenance without complex disassembly procedures
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 easy in-situ rotation of bushings from worn to unworn sides, reducing the need for disassembly and reassembly, thus saving time and cost, and maintaining the chain's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first bore defines a first diameter which is larger than a second diameter defined by the second bore and which is configured to receive one of the plurality of track bushings and to apply a releasable clamp force on the one of the plurality of track bushings when a respective fastener of the plurality of fasteners is tightened
Implementation Method 2
The second bore is configured to mate and provide a press-fit coupling with one of said track pins
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of servicing a track chain assembly includes loosening a fastener to reduce a clamping force of a track link body on a track bushing. With the clamping force reduced, the method includes rotating the track bushing from a first position wherein a worn side of the track bushing faces a drive sprocket to a second position wherein an unworn side of the track bushing faces the drive sprocket. Once the track bushing in the second position, the method includes tightening the fastener to increase the clamping force on the track bushing. The method can be performed while leaving the track chain in place on a track machine.