Track Sub-Frame Pivot Alignment for Wheel Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track systems for vehicles face challenges in maintaining proper alignment of wheels, leading to increased wear and stress on components due to misalignment, particularly in agricultural and construction vehicles operating on soft or uneven ground surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A track system with a frame and sub-frame design that allows for adjustable toe-in-toe-out positioning through a pivot mechanism, enabling precise alignment adjustments without excessive stress on parts, using fasteners to secure the frame to the sub-frame in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wheel alignment adjustments are made to reduce stresses and wear on the endless track, then track wear is reduced, but edge stress between pin and bushing increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The track system allows dynamic adjustment of wheel alignment through toe-in/toe-out positioning of the frame relative to the subframe. This enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and ground surfaces, optimizing the balance between track wear reduction and pin-bushing stress distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the alignment parameters of the wheels by pivoting the frame on the pivot axis. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of track wear while managing the stress distribution on pin and bushing components through controlled misalignment
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame is rigidly secured to the sub-frame, then structural stability is improved, but wheel alignment cannot be adjusted leading to increased component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between frame and subframe transitions from rigid to adjustable through the pivot mechanism. The frame can be rotated on the pivot axis to achieve proper wheel alignment while maintaining structural integrity through the fastening system, providing both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is divided into separable components (frame and subframe) connected by a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the frame angle relative to the subframe, enabling alignment optimization without compromising the overall structural stability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sub-frame for rotationally supporting a primary wheel of a track system. The sub-frame comprises a sub-frame body, the sub-frame body defining a downwardly-facing surface to be supported by a frame of the track system, an upwardly-facing surface opposite the downwardly-facing surface, a cavity for rotationally receiving the primary wheel, and apertures extending from the upwardly-facing surface to the downwardly-facing surface for accepting fasteners for attachment of the sub-frame to the frame of the track system.