Track Shoe Void Geometry for Crack-Resistant Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Track pads used in heavy equipment on hard surfaces, such as rock, are prone to cracking and 'toenailing' due to the rigidity of these surfaces, necessitating frequent repairs and are not cost-effectively robust.
Innovation Solution
A track chain member design featuring a shoe member with a midplane and two bottom voids forming a support pillar, where the voids define an oval perimeter and include convex and concave blends, and a Y-shaped set of lugs with undercuts, providing enhanced load distribution and resistance to deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track pads are designed with conventional solid geometry, then manufacturing is simpler, but they are prone to cracking and toenailing under heavy loads on hard surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The track pad is divided into multiple functional zones through voids created within the structure. These voids segment the solid material into distinct regions including a support pillar, load distribution zones, and stress relief zones, allowing each region to perform its specific function in resisting cracking and deformation under heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the track pad are given different structural properties through the void configuration. The support pillar region maintains high density for load bearing, while areas adjacent to voids provide stress relief. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the track pad to simultaneously resist cracking and manage stress distribution effectively
2Duration of action of stationary object
If track pads use traditional geometry without voids, then manufacturing is more straightforward, but they experience frequent toenailing and require repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The track pad structure is segmented into functional zones using voids that separate the support pillar from the ground engaging surface areas. This segmentation creates distinct load paths and stress distribution zones that prevent toenailing and extend service life, while the voids can be efficiently created through modern casting or additive manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The voids are configured with curved, oval perimeters rather than sharp angular boundaries. This curvature distributes stress more evenly around the void regions, preventing stress concentration that would lead to cracking and toenailing, thereby extending the track pad's service life while maintaining manufacturability
3Force
If track pads are designed with large voids and support pillars, then load distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track pad is segmented into a central support pillar region and surrounding load distribution zones separated by voids. This segmentation creates clear load paths that convey machine weight through the support pillar to the ground, while the surrounding zones distribute lateral loads, improving overall load distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The voids extend in multiple dimensions within the track pad structure, creating three-dimensional load distribution pathways. The voids are positioned and sized to optimize load conveyance in both vertical and lateral directions, allowing the support pillar to effectively distribute forces across the entire track pad structure
Data Source
AI summary
A track pad includes a shoe member that has two bottom voids extending upwardly from the ground engaging surface of the shoe member, and which form a central support pillar having a serpentine surface laterally on side of the central support pillar, and another serpentine surface laterally on the other side of the central support pillar. The two bottom voids form oval perimeters at the ground engaging surface.