Track Link Nut Housing Sensor Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track link assemblies with integrated wear sensing devices are prone to failure due to exposure of polymer materials in harsh operating conditions, leading to unreliable wireless communication and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The existing nut of the track link assembly is repurposed to house electronic elements of the sensor arrangement, providing protection from mechanical damage and maintaining reliable operation by positioning the sensor elements in a recess within the track link body and the electronic elements in a receiving space within the nut, allowing for efficient signal processing without signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the second section of the housing is made from polymer material for efficient wireless communication, then wireless communication efficiency is improved, but the housing becomes vulnerable to mechanical damage from harsh operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct sections: a first section made from wear-resistant material (steel) that protects against mechanical damage, and a second section made from polymer material that enables efficient wireless communication. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing combines two different materials with complementary properties: steel for mechanical strength and wear resistance, and polymer for wireless signal transparency and communication efficiency. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by allowing both materials to contribute their advantageous properties to the overall housing design.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor arrangement is exposed to harsh operating conditions for reliable wear monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but the sensor becomes prone to mechanical damage and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The first section of the housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection against wear and damage from harsh operating conditions, and it simultaneously houses the sensor arrangement that performs wear monitoring. This multi-functionality allows the sensor to be protected while maintaining its measurement capability.
3Reliability
If a separate protective housing is added to protect sensor elements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing structure is merged with the existing nut component of the track link assembly. The first section of the housing is integrated into the nut, eliminating the need for a completely separate protective structure and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection for the sensor elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is given additional functionality by integrating the first section of the housing into it. The nut now serves both its original fastening function and the protective housing function for the sensor arrangement, reducing the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a track link assembly comprising a track link body (1) with at least one window opening (2) for receiving a nut (3), a track shoe attached to the track link body (1) by means of at least one screw (4), the nut (3) comprising an internally threaded section (5) for receiving the screw (4), a sensor arrangement (6) comprising a sensor element (7) attached to the track link body (1) and electronic elements (8) for operating the sensor arrangement (6). In order to provide an improved track link assembly with a sensor arrangement which is less vulnerable to damage and failure while at the same time not raising the production costs for the improved track link assembly, it is proposed that the nut (3) has an internal receiving space (9) in which the electronic elements (8) for operating the sensor arrangement (6) are arranged.