Adjustable Track Frame Pivot for Wheel Alignment Wear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for agricultural and construction vehicles face challenges with wheel misalignment, leading to increased wear and stress on components due to improper alignment adjustments, which can compromise traction and ground compaction.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a frame and sub-frame design that allows for adjustable toe-in-toe-out positioning through a pivot mechanism, enabling precise alignment adjustments without excessive stress on parts, using fasteners that can be disengaged to pivot the frame relative to the sub-frame within a defined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel alignment adjustments are made in prior art track systems, then stresses and wear on the endless track are reduced, but edge stress between pin and bushing increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is made dynamically adjustable relative to the sub-frame through the pivot mechanism, allowing the alignment to be changed from a fixed state to a variable state. This enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining proper component alignment, thereby reducing both track wear and pin-bushing stress simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism changes the geometric parameter of frame alignment by allowing rotation about a pivot axis. This parameter change enables the frame to be positioned at different angles relative to the sub-frame, optimizing the alignment between wheels and track while preventing excessive stress on connection components.
2Device complexity
If fixed alignment is used in conventional track systems, then structural simplicity is maintained, but wheel misalignment occurs leading to increased component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed alignment to a dynamic adjustable alignment using a pivot mechanism. This allows the frame to be rotated to different positions relative to the sub-frame, enabling proper wheel alignment that prevents component wear while adding minimal complexity through the use of a simple pivot and fastener system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is rigidly secured to the sub-frame, then alignment stability is maintained, but adaptability to different ground conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between frame and sub-frame is changed from rigidly fixed to dynamically adjustable through the pivot mechanism. The frame can be rotated about the pivot axis to achieve different alignment positions, then secured in the desired position using fasteners. This provides both stability when secured and adaptability when adjustment is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows alignment adjustment for different ground conditions, enables proper wheel positioning to prevent wear, and maintains structural stability when fastened. This multi-functional element increases the versatility of the track system without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A track system includes a primary wheel structured to be rotationally attachable to a vehicle, a frame rotationally supporting a plurality of secondary wheels; a sub-frame supported by the frame. The sub-frame rotationally supports the primary wheel. The primary wheel and the plurality of secondary wheels support an endless track thereabout. A fastener secures the frame to the sub-frame and prevents pivoting of the frame relative to the sub-frame about the pivot axis. The fastener is disengageable. The frame is pivotable relative to the sub-frame about the pivot axis when the fastener is disengaged. The fastener is re-engageable to secure the frame to the sub-frame in any one of a plurality of different adjustment positions. In some implementations, a pivot member extends in a vertical direction between the sub-frame and the frame and defines a pivot axis of the frame.