Track Shoe Oval Cavities to Prevent Cracking on Hard Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track pads for heavy equipment on hard surfaces, such as rock, are prone to cracking and 'toenailing due to rigidity, necessitating repair and are not cost-effective in their current designs.
Innovation Solution
A track chain member with a unique geometry featuring lateral voids forming a support pillar and convex/concave blends, which are induction hardened to enhance durability and resist cracking under high loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If track pads are designed with traditional solid geometry for hard surfaces, then load-bearing capacity is maintained, but cracking and toenailing occur due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The track pad is divided into multiple segments through the introduction of voids (first and second voids) separated by support pillars. This segmentation allows the structure to flex and distribute stresses more effectively, preventing the propagation of cracks and toenailing while maintaining load-bearing capacity through the support pillars.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the track pad are given different properties: the support pillars maintain rigidity for load bearing, while the void regions provide flexibility to prevent cracking. The convex and concave blends create localized stress distribution zones that enhance resistance to deformation.
2Reliability
If track pads use complex geometry with multiple voids and blends, then durability on hard surfaces improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies induction hardening to specific regions (support pillars and blends) to change the material properties locally. This thermal treatment enhances surface hardness and wear resistance without requiring complex geometric features throughout the entire component, thus improving durability while controlling manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If track pads are designed with large voids to reduce weight, then cost-effectiveness improves, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality through the support pillars that extend between the first and second voids. This three-dimensional structure provides load-bearing pathways that maintain structural integrity even with large void spaces, allowing weight reduction and cost-effectiveness without compromising strength.
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
The new geometry and induction-hardened design provide enhanced robustness and cost-effectiveness by preventing excessive deformation and cracking, ensuring reliable performance on hard surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
which are induction hardened to enhance durability and resist cracking under high loads
Data Source
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AI summary
A track pad (200) includes a shoe member (210) that has two bottom voids (224, 244) extending upwardly from the ground engaging surface (214) of the shoe member (210), and which form a central support pillar (246) having a serpentine surface (250) laterally on side of the central support pillar (246), and another serpentine surface (252) laterally on the other side of the central support pillar (246). The two bottom voids (224, 244) form oval perimeters (240) at the ground engaging surface (214).