Parallel Link Track Chain Press Tooling for Precise Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing parallel linked track chain assemblies in construction vehicles are inefficient due to the difficulty in proper disassembly and reassembly, leading to component damage and misalignment, and exposure to contaminants that reduce durability.
Innovation Solution
A link press assembly with alignment, disassembly, and reassembly tools that include a contact block, bridge plate, disassembly mount plate, and reassembly tools, allowing for the precise removal and reinstallation of pins within a parallel link track chain using a field press, maintaining correct alignment and minimizing exposure to contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional repair methods are used to remove and replace track chain components, then component replacement can be achieved, but component damage and misalignment occur due to improper disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized intermediary tools including a press tool with alignment blocks, guide rods, and positioning fixtures that mediate between the press and track chain components. These intermediaries ensure precise alignment and controlled force application during pin removal and installation, preventing component damage and ensuring proper reassembly alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary alignment actions through pre-positioned alignment blocks, guide rods, and positioning fixtures before the actual pressing operation. The alignment blocks are positioned in advance to establish correct geometric relationships, and guide rods are inserted to constrain movement paths, ensuring that when the pressing force is applied, all components are already in their correct positions for damage-free replacement with perfect alignment.
2Ease of operation
If the track chain is completely removed from the vehicle for repair, then access to components is improved, but exposure to contaminants substantially reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific damaged component (pin or link) from the track chain assembly rather than removing the entire track chain from the vehicle. The specialized press tools enable isolated removal and replacement of individual components while the track chain remains installed on the vehicle, thereby maintaining protection from contaminants while providing adequate access for repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the repair process to target only the specific failed component rather than requiring complete disassembly. The modular press tooling allows selective access to individual pins and links, enabling localized repair operations that leave the rest of the track chain protected and installed, thus minimizing exposure to harmful environmental contaminants.
3Device complexity
If traditional repair tools are used without specialized alignment features, then device complexity is reduced, but the inability to properly disassemble and reassemble leads to component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized intermediary alignment blocks, guide rods, and positioning fixtures that mediate between the press and track chain components. These intermediaries ensure precise alignment and controlled force application during pin removal and installation, preventing component damage and ensuring proper reassembly alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary alignment actions through pre-positioned alignment blocks, guide rods, and positioning fixtures before the actual pressing operation. The alignment blocks are positioned in advance to establish correct geometric relationships, and guide rods are inserted to constrain movement paths, ensuring that when the pressing force is applied, all components are already in their correct positions for damage-free replacement with perfect alignment.
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 efficient and precise disassembly and reassembly of parallel link track chains, reducing component damage and contamination, and allowing for in-field repairs without complete removal from the vehicle, thereby extending the track chain's durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a press over the bridge plate with a backing plate of the press in contact with the disassembly mount plate and a press piston rod in the piston rod cavity; and actuating the piston rod towards the backing plate to push the pins out
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of block guide rods slidingly receivable within the block guide rod passages; a plurality of elongated rod guides secured to the top surface of the bridge plate, the rod guides further including plate guide rod passages for slidingly receiving therein the block guide rods
Data Source
AI summary
A link press assembly for use with a press to service a parallel link track chain is provided that includes alignment tools, disassembly tools, and reassembly tools. The alignment tools include a contact block, a plurality of block guide rods slidingly receivable within block guide rod passages of the contact block, a bridge plate for securement to a parallel link track chain, a plurality of elongated rod guides having plate guide rod passages, and a support block. The disassembly tools include a disassembly mount plate, an inner link support plate, a plurality of disassembly rods, an outer link support plate, and a disassembly tool bar having a plurality of pin bumpers. The reassembly tools include a back tool plate, a plurality of backing cups, a reassembly front tool bar having a plurality of front cups secured thereto, and a link hanger having a plurality of hanger guide rod passages.