Undercarriage Track Shoe Welding Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process of ground engaging tracks using nuts and bolts is complex, time-consuming, and costly, and can lead to loosening or breaking under load, resulting in increased downtime and operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism using welding to secure coupling members within angularly positioned mounting holes on track links and track shoes, providing a robust and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nuts and bolts are used to couple track shoes and track links, then the assembly process is simpler and allows for disassembly, but the assembly becomes complex, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts) with a welding system. The coupling member is welded to the track shoe, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and assembly steps. This substitution of mechanical connection with thermal connection resolves the contradiction by simplifying the overall assembly process while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coupling member and track shoe into a single integrated structure through welding. The coupling member is positioned within a recess of the track shoe and welded to it, combining two previously separate components into one unified assembly. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If nuts and bolts are used to couple track shoes and track links, then the assembly can be disassembled and reassembled, but the assembly process is time-consuming and increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts) with a welding system. The coupling member is welded to the track shoe, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and assembly steps. This substitution of mechanical connection with thermal connection resolves the contradiction by simplifying the overall assembly process while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is pre-positioned within the recess of the track shoe before welding. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and reduces the time required during the final assembly process. The pre-positioning step allows for quicker welding operations and reduces overall assembly time.
3Reliability
If nuts and bolts are used to couple track shoes and track links, then the assembly can be disassembled for maintenance, but the connection may loosen or break under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts) with a welding system. The coupling member is welded to the track shoe, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and assembly steps. This substitution of mechanical connection with thermal connection resolves the contradiction by simplifying the overall assembly process while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite construction where the coupling member (made of one material) is welded to the track shoe (made of another material). This creates a heterogeneous joint that combines the advantages of both materials while achieving superior connection strength and reliability through the welding process.
4Strength
If welding is used to secure coupling members, then the connection strength and reliability are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the track shoe into distinct segments: the main body and a recess portion. The coupling member is positioned within this recess, creating a segmented structure that facilitates welding. This segmentation allows for better heat distribution during welding and simplifies the manufacturing process by breaking down the complex joining operation into manageable sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess in the track shoe acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the welding process. It provides a prepared surface and containment for the coupling member during welding, making the manufacturing process easier while ensuring strong and reliable joints.
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
This design reduces manufacturing time and costs, enhances strength, and ensures a reliable connection between track links and shoes, minimizing downtime and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling member is welded to the track shoe to couple each of the plurality of track shoes with the respective track links
Data Source
AI summary
An undercarriage assembly associated with a machine is provided. The undercarriage assembly includes a ground engaging track adapted to crawl on a ground surface. The ground engaging track includes a plurality of track shoes. The ground engaging track also includes a plurality of pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another. Each of the track links includes a body member having a first side surface and a second side surface. The body member also includes a mounting hole defined in the body member. The mounting hole extends angularly with respect to the shoe surface. The ground engaging track further includes a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a coupling member adapted to be received within the mounting hole, and welded to the track shoe to couple each of the plurality of track shoes with the respective track links.