Track Roller Guard Member Debris Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guard rings for track-type machines are inadequate in preventing debris from reaching the mechanical face seals of track rollers and idlers, as they either allow fine debris to pack and hinder rotation or provide direct access for larger debris, and are not configured for the unique geometries of these components.

Innovation Solution

A guard member with a closed upper portion and partially-open lower portion is secured to the shaft of the track roller, featuring a main body with an upper rim extending radially beyond the central axis and a plurality of openings around half the circumference, which directs debris away from the seal and allows smaller debris to escape, preventing obstruction and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a labyrinth interface guard ring is used to inhibit debris from entering the seal protection pathway, then protection against debris is improved, but fine debris packs in the labyrinth passages and hinders relative rotation of the fixed hub and sprocket hub

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal protectionVSAvoidrelative rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful fine debris from the labyrinth passages by providing a separate egress path. The guard ring includes a egress passage that allows fine debris to exit the labyrinth passages, preventing packing while maintaining the rotational barrier function. This resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful accumulation without compromising the rotational mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guard ring is segmented into multiple functional zones: the labyrinth passages for coarse debris barrier, the egress passage for fine debris removal, and the drain passage for liquid debris evacuation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function, preventing fine debris packing while maintaining seal protection and rotation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of substance

If a drain passage is provided to allow liquid debris to escape, then liquid debris removal is improved, but solid debris is trapped inside the guard ring allowing buildup and eventual damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid debris removalVSAvoidsolid debris trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drain passage is segmented with a screen or filter element that separates liquid debris from solid debris. The screen allows liquid to pass through to the drain passage for evacuation, while blocking solid debris from entering the drain passage. This resolves the contradiction by enabling liquid removal while preventing solid debris trapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of substance

If bolt-on rings with enlarged openings are used to allow fine debris to fall out via gravity, then fine debris removal is improved, but larger debris gains direct access to the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine debris removalVSAvoidlarger debris access

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guard ring employs local quality differentiation with different opening characteristics at different locations and orientations. The egress passages are positioned and sized to allow fine debris to exit via gravity while the overall guard ring structure and labyrinth passages block larger debris from reaching the seal. This resolves the contradiction by providing location-specific functions for different debris sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If guard rings are configured for final drive assemblies, then final drive seal protection is improved, but they are not suitable for track rollers and idlers with different geometries and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinal drive seal protectionVSAvoidcomponent compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guard ring is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to various roller types including track rollers, idlers, and final drive assemblies. The guard ring includes a body portion that can be mounted on different shaft configurations and the protective elements can be adjusted to accommodate different geometries. This resolves the contradiction by enabling a single design to serve multiple applications with different requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9656705B2Mobile machine track roller having a guard member

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A track roller for a mobile machine is disclosed. The track roller may have a shaft defining a central axis, and a roller body connected to the shaft and configured to rotate around the central axis relative to the shaft. The track roller may also have a sealing member positioned between the shaft and the roller body, and a collar member secured to the shaft and at least partially covering the sealing member. A passageway having an opening may be defined between the collar member and the roller body. The track roller may further have a guard member secured to the shaft, the guard member having a main body and an upper rim extending from the main body towards the roller body. The guard member may also have a plurality of projections extending from the main body towards the roller body, and a plurality of openings formed between the upper rim and the projections.