Track Link With Adjustable Nut Detents For Standardization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track links are not suitable for standardization due to the fixed position of the through hole for the shoe bolt, requiring separate production of track links for different track shoe pitches, leading to a complex manufacturing process and increased warehouse space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A track link design with two connecting holes and two sets of orthogonal through holes, each with projecting portions that allow for adjustable nut placement, enabling the same track link material to be used for different track shoes by varying the position of the through holes during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the through hole position is fixed at the exact middle of two detents to prevent nut rotation, then the nut is reliably constrained from rotating, but the track link cannot be standardized for different track shoe pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The detent structure is segmented into multiple individual detents (first detent, second detent, third detent, fourth detent) arranged at different positions. Instead of a single fixed through hole position, the system provides multiple possible through hole positions, each compatible with different track shoe pitches. This segmentation allows the track link to adapt to various configurations while maintaining reliable nut rotation prevention through the detent engagement mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate track link materials are prepared for different track shoe pitches, then each track shoe type can be precisely matched, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and warehouse space increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal track link design incorporates multiple detents positioned to accommodate different track shoe pitches. The same track link material can be used for various track shoe types by selectively positioning the through hole to align with different detent pairs. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized track link variants, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing inventory requirements while maintaining precise matching capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate track link materials are prepared for different track shoe pitches, then each track shoe type can be precisely matched, but warehouse space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track link design provides universal compatibility across different track shoe pitches through multiple detent positions, allowing a single track link type to serve multiple applications. This eliminates the need to store multiple specialized track link variants in the warehouse, significantly reducing storage space requirements while maintaining the precision needed for proper matching between track links and track shoes.
Data Source
AI summary
A track link is fixable to a track shoe with nuts and bolts. The track link comprises connecting holes that are spaced in a link pitch direction and receive connection members, first and second through holes that extend orthogonally to the connecting holes and receive bolts, a first surface in which the first through hole opens and on which a first nut is positionable, a second surface in which the second through hole opens and on which a second nut is positionable, first projecting portions that project from the first surface and face each other across the first through hole, and second projecting portions that project from the second surface and face each other across the second through hole. Only one of the first projecting portions engages the first nut. At least one of the second projecting portions engages the second nut that is positionable between the second projecting portions.