Track-Coupled Fender Assembly for Work Vehicle Debris Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fender assemblies on work vehicles, such as tractors, fail to effectively prevent debris accumulation on the operator cab and can be damaged by track oscillation, especially when the track width is adjusted, leading to interference between the tracks and fenders.

Innovation Solution

The design of a front and rear fender assembly that is coupled to the track system, allowing the fenders to overlap the track and move with it, maintaining constant clearance and preventing debris accumulation while allowing for adjustable track width without interfering with the fender operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the fender is positioned close to the track to prevent debris accumulation, then debris protection is improved, but the track may contact and damage the fender during oscillation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris accumulation on operator cabVSAvoidfender damage from track contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fender assembly is made movable by coupling it to the track system, allowing the fender to move dynamically with the track during oscillation. This dynamic coupling prevents contact between the track and fender while maintaining debris protection, as the fender moves in coordination with the track rather than remaining stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the track width is adjusted by elongating the frame, then adaptability to different operating environments is improved, but the fender operation and coverage may be interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfender operation and coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fender assembly is coupled to the track system rather than the frame, making it universally adaptable to different track widths. This multi-functional coupling allows the fender to maintain proper operation and coverage across various track configurations without requiring frame modifications or fender adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By making the fender assembly dynamic and coupled to the track system, it can automatically adapt to different track widths. The fender moves with the track during width adjustments, maintaining proper positioning and coverage without interfering with the adjustment mechanism or requiring separate fender adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the fender is made stationary to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot accommodate track oscillation and width adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefender assembly structureVSAvoidaccommodation of track oscillation and width adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fender assembly is designed as a dynamic system coupled to the track, allowing it to move and adapt during track oscillation and width adjustment. This dynamic design maintains relatively simple structure while achieving high adaptability, as the fender naturally follows track movement without requiring complex control mechanisms or multiple adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11260920B2Front fender assemblies for a work vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A track work vehicle includes a track system. The track system includes a drive wheel supported by an axle housing that drives a continuous ground-engaging track, a saddle assembly that guides the track about the drive wheel and an undercarriage frame that supports one or more idler wheels that guide the track along a ground surface. The track work vehicle includes a fender assembly that includes at least one fender coupled to the track system to overlap a portion of the track.