Track Roller Support Rim With Air Duct Cooling for Flange Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heating of track rollers and their flanges due to friction during vehicle operation leads to deformation and degradation, affecting the quality of operation and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A tire support rim with an integrated air circulation duct that dissipates heat through the rim's thickness, utilizing air flow to cool the roller and flange surfaces, optimized by radial positioning of orifices and sections to enhance heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track rollers operate with flanges pressing against guiding rails, then vehicle movement and guiding are achieved, but heating and deformation of the rollers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cooling device with air circulation ducts that channel air flow through the rim structure to directly cool the track roller and flange. The ducts are positioned to maximize heat exchange between the air flow and the heated surfaces, effectively removing excess thermal energy generated during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple ducts distributed throughout the rim structure, with specific ducts positioned at strategic locations (medial edge, bearing face, peripheral edge) to address different heat generation zones. This segmented approach allows targeted cooling of specific high-temperature areas.
2Temperature
If cooling devices are integrated into the rim, then heating is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling ducts are merged into the rim structure itself, utilizing the existing rim geometry and material. The ducts are integrated as hollow channels within the rim's cross-section, combining the structural function of the rim with the cooling function in a single unified component rather than adding separate external cooling apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the tire and roller, and it houses the cooling ducts that facilitate heat removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate cooling components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Temperature
If air circulation ducts are positioned at medial edge and bearing face, then heat exchange is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the ducts (positioning, cross-sectional area, orientation) to maximize heat exchange efficiency. The ducts are positioned at specific locations (medial edge, bearing face, radial positions) where heat generation is highest, and their dimensions are tailored to achieve optimal thermal management while maintaining manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces heating and deformation, enhancing the operational quality and durability of the track rollers by maintaining consistent temperature differences and optimizing heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device comprising at least one circulation duct for air passing through the thickness of the rim such that the duct comprises at least one orifice positioned on the open face of the rim and a circuit arranged such that, on the one hand, at least a first portion is positioned at the medial edge of the device and, on the other hand, at least a second portion is positioned radially on the bearing face from the medial edge toward the peripheral edge of the rim
Data Source
AI summary
A tire support rim for track roller associated with a flange is provided with a circular tire (2), and a support rim (1) for an annular track roller producing a flange. The rim (1) defines a peripheral edge intended to bear a tire, a medial edge in contact with the medial portion of the roller, and two opposite faces producing, on the one hand, an open face and, on the other hand, a bearing face positioned against the surface of the flange of the roller. The rim (1) incorporates a cooling device having at least one circulation duct for air passing through the thickness of the rim from an orifice (51) of the open face such that the duct has a portion at the medial edge and a portion positioned radially on the bearing face between the medial and peripheral edges.