Self-Adjusting Track Grouser Attachment to Prevent Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles experience disengagement of ground engaging devices relative to the endless track, leading to potential damage to both the device and the track, particularly on icy or snowy surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A ground engaging device with an engagement member and fastening arrangement that allows self-adjustment of the tension based on pressure against the endless track, using a teeth locking configuration to prevent disengagement and enhance attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ground engaging device is attached to the endless track with fixed tension, then the attachment is simple, but disengagement occurs leading to damage on icy or snowy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening arrangement incorporates an adjustment device that allows the tension of the ground engaging device relative to the endless track to be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment prevents disengagement on icy or snowy surfaces while avoiding excessive tension that could cause damage, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is configured to allow automatic self-adjustment of the tension based on pressure against the engagement member towards the endless track. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal attachment reliability, resolving the contradiction by providing adaptive tension control without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If the tension of the ground engaging device is increased to prevent disengagement, then attachment reliability improves, but the risk of damage to the device and track increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening arrangement allows tension to be dynamically adjusted based on actual operating conditions through the adjustment device. This ensures sufficient tension to prevent disengagement on slippery surfaces while avoiding excessive tension that could cause damage to the ground engaging device or endless track, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension parameter of the ground engaging device is made variable through the adjustment device, allowing it to change based on pressure conditions. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain optimal tension levels that prevent disengagement without creating harmful excessive tension, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and damage risk.
3Reliability
If the ground engaging device allows movement towards the endless track for increased tension, then attachment reliability improves, but the fastening arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device enables automatic self-adjustment of the engagement member position relative to the endless track based on pressure conditions. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically increase tension when needed without requiring complex external control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between attachment reliability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ground engaging device (G) for an endless track (E) of a tracked vehicle. The ground engaging device is attachable to the outer side of said endless track (E). The ground engaging device (G) comprises an engagement member (10) configured to be arranged in connection to the outer side (Ea) of the endless track (E). The ground engaging device (G) further comprises a fastening arrangement (A) for attaching the ground engaging device (G) to the endless track (E) so that the engagement member (10) is positioned in connection the outer side (Ea) of the endless track (E). The fastening arrangement (A) comprises a adjustment device (D) configured to allow self adjustment of the position of said engagement member relative to the endless track (E) based on pressure against the engagement member (10) towards the endless track (E). The present invention also relates to a tracked vehicle.