Segmented Track Drive Sprocket With Guided On-Site Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked vehicles face challenges in maintaining drive wheels due to significant wear, especially when access to a workstation for exchanging worn-out drive sprockets is not available.
Innovation Solution
The drive wheel arrangement features a hub member with a drive sprocket member that includes a ring-shaped drive sprocket divided into arc-shaped parts. This configuration, combined with a guiding and connecting system using recesses and protrusions, facilitates easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement of the drive sprocket parts, allowing for radial and axial control during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive sprocket is made as a single integrated piece, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire drive sprocket must be removed and replaced when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The drive sprocket is divided into multiple arc-shaped segments that can be independently removed and replaced. Each segment is connected to the support member and other segments through connecting members, allowing individual segment replacement without removing the entire drive sprocket assembly.
2Ease of repair
If the drive sprocket is divided into multiple segments, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional connecting members and guiding configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The drive sprocket is segmented into modular arc-shaped parts that can be independently handled and replaced, simplifying maintenance operations while the connecting members provide straightforward attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting members serve as intermediaries between the support member and drive sprocket segments, providing a simple interface for attachment and detachment without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If guiding members are added to control radial position during assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guiding members act as intermediaries that control the radial positioning of drive sprocket segments during assembly. These guiding members work in conjunction with connecting members to ensure precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function is distributed across multiple guiding members associated with each drive sprocket segment, allowing independent positioning control for each segment while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement (A) of a drive wheel (DW) for an endless track (E) of a tracked vehicle (V). The drive wheel (DW) comprises a hub member (H) and a drive sprocket member (S1, S2) attached to the hub member (H). Said drive sprocket member (S1, S2) comprises a ring shaped drive sprocket (10) having a set of teeth (12) arranged around the circumference of said drive sprocket (10). Said drive sprocket (10) is configured to engage with said endless track (E). Said drive sprocket member (S1, S2) further comprises a support member (20) for said drive sprocket (10). Said drive sprocket (10) is divided into at least two arc shaped drive sprocket parts (10A, 10B). Each drive sprocket part (10A, 10B), in a non engaged state of a drive sprocket part with respect to said endless track, is configured to be exchangeable. Said arrangement (A) comprises a guiding configuration (G1, G2) comprising a first guiding member (G1) circumferentially distributed around the support member (20) and a second guiding member (G2) circumferentially distributed around the respective drive sprocket part (10A, 10B) for facilitating reassembling the drive sprocket (10). The present invention also relates to a tracked vehicle.