Track Link Structure With Inclined Plane Connecting Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional track link assemblies for heavy caterpillar vehicles are laborious and time-consuming to maintain due to their integral design, and split-type links suffer from instability issues leading to fastener breakage and assembly issues.

Innovation Solution

A track link structure comprising a first and second mainbody with inclined plane structures and corresponding connecting elements that tilt from the outer to the inner surface, enhancing stability and facilitating easy disassembly, while also incorporating hole slots and through holes for secure fastening without additional auxiliary elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a split-type track link is used to facilitate disassembly, then the ease of repair is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates leading to fastener breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional planar connecting surfaces with arc-shaped connecting surfaces. The first and second connecting portions feature arc surfaces that conform to each other, creating a curved interface between the split track link halves. This curved connection geometry significantly improves structural stability and prevents fastener breakage during operation, while maintaining the ease of disassembly characteristic of split-type links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If conventional integral track links are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to laborious disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the track link into separate components - specifically a first track link portion and a second track link portion that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the track link to be disassembled for maintenance by removing only the necessary portions, eliminating the need to dismantle the entire conventional integral track link structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If planar connecting surfaces are used in split-type links, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates causing shaking and fastener failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the planar connecting surfaces with arc-shaped connecting surfaces on the first and second connecting portions. These curved surfaces conform to each other when assembled, providing superior structural stability and preventing the shaking and fastener breakage that occurs with flat surfaces, while remaining manufacturable using conventional machining processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4458653A1Track link structure and track link assembly
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 EVERPADS CO LTD
  • EP4458653A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4458653A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4458653A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A track link structure (100) has an outer surface (101) and an inner surface (102). The track link structure (100) includes a first main body (110) and a second main body (120). The first main body (110) includes a first track link portion (130) and a first connecting portion (140). The first track link portion (130) includes a first shaft hole (131). The first connecting portion (140) includes a first inclined plane structure (141) and a first connecting structure (142). The second main body (120) includes a second track link portion (150) and a second connecting portion (160). The second track link portion(150) includes a second shaft hole (151). The second connecting portion (160) includes a second inclined plane (161) structure and a second connecting structure (162). The first connecting portion (140) is correspondingly connected to the second connecting portion (160) so as to assemble the first main body (110) and the second main body (120) to form the track link structure (100).