Continuous Track Replacement System for Heavy Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal and installation of continuous tracks on heavy equipment vehicles are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and pose safety risks due to the weight and unwieldy nature of the tracks, requiring significant manpower and often resulting in workplace injuries.
Innovation Solution
A track replacement system comprising a track support and biasing apparatus, an arcuate positioning component, and a decoupling component, which includes interconnector elements that apply forces to facilitate the removal and installation of continuous tracks by leveraging arcuate biasing members and locking assemblies to manage the track's alignment and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to remove and install continuous tracks, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The track replacement system is divided into multiple independent components: a track support apparatus with first and second support members, an arcuate positioning component, and a decoupling component. Each component performs a specific function in the track removal/installation process, allowing the system to handle heavy tracks efficiently without requiring excessive manpower for single-component manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The track support apparatus acts as an intermediary between the heavy continuous track and the operators. The support members engage with the track to provide mechanical assistance during removal and installation, reducing the direct physical effort required by personnel while maintaining control over the track positioning.
2Reliability
If manual handling of continuous tracks is performed, then equipment complexity is minimized, but safety risks increase due to track weight and unwieldy nature
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the track handling system into distinct functional components (support apparatus, positioning component, decoupling component), each element can be designed for its specific safety function. The support members bear the track weight, the positioning component ensures proper alignment, and the decoupling component facilitates safe disengagement, collectively reducing workplace safety risks without requiring a single overly complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
The track support apparatus serves as a safety intermediary that assumes the load and control of the heavy continuous track during replacement operations. This mediates the interaction between personnel and the track, preventing direct handling of the unwieldy track while maintaining operational control and reducing injury risks.
3Manufacturing precision
If the track is held taut in a configuration nearly identical to installed track, then proper tension is achieved, but the installation becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate positioning component performs preliminary positioning of the continuous track during installation. By providing pre-positioning support that guides the track into the correct arcuate configuration before final installation, the system achieves proper alignment and tension without requiring operators to manually manipulate the heavy track into the precise final position, thereby reducing installation difficulty while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and multicomponent apparatus for removing and installing a continuous track on a power machine or work vehicle. The system includes a support and biasing apparatus, an arcuate positioning component, a decoupling component, and interconnecting elements. The interacting apparatus and components include contact surfaces that bear against the continuous track surfaces to transfer and/or apply a series of forces, each force in the series comprising at least one of an upward, forward, or lateral force, or combinations thereof, to remove the track from or urge and install a replacement track into proper alignment and captive engagement with front idler and sprocket wheels of a continuous track vehicle wheel assembly. Removal and installation of continuous tracks is hereby achieved in a fraction of the time and with substantially less manpower than previously proposed solutions and methods.