Upper Transition Assembly for Track-Type Machine Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Track-type machines experience excessive wear and slack in chains due to repeated contact between sprocket teeth and links, leading to premature failure and costly repairs, exacerbated by abrupt transitions between runners and idler wheels that allow slack accumulation near the idler wheel.
Innovation Solution
An upper transition assembly with a spacer plate system, including an upper spacer plate with a projection that fits into a circumferential groove of the idler wheel, and a lower spacer plate, which helps guide link members towards and away from the idler wheel, reducing slack accumulation and wear by distributing contact force and guiding link members effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If runners have an abrupt transition to the idler wheel, then the structure is simple, but slack accumulates in the track chain near the idler wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upper transition assembly as an intermediary component between the runner and the idler wheel. This assembly includes a transition plate with a curved surface that gradually guides the track chain from the horizontal runner to the curved idler wheel surface, preventing abrupt transitions and slack accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper transition assembly incorporates a curved surface that matches the curvature of the idler wheel. This curved geometry allows the track chain to transition smoothly from the straight runner to the circular idler wheel path, eliminating the abrupt angle change that causes slack.
2Productivity
If there is repeated contact between sprocket teeth and links, then the chain is propelled effectively, but wear increases causing slack and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The upper transition assembly performs preliminary guidance of the track chain before it reaches the idler wheel. By pre-positioning and aligning the chain links properly, it prevents misalignment and excessive lateral movement during idler wheel contact, reducing wear on both the chain and idler wheel.
3Reliability
If the upper transition assembly guides link members smoothly, then wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper transition assembly is divided into distinct components: a transition plate with a curved surface, support structures, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the smooth guidance function.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper transition assembly is disclosed. The upper transition assembly may have an upper spacer plate extending from a first spacer end to a second spacer end. The upper spacer plate may have a base portion having a first width. The upper spacer plate may also have a projection extending from the base portion. The projection may have a second width smaller than the first width. The upper transition assembly may also have a lower spacer plate extending from adjacent the first spacer end to a first distal end disposed between the first spacer end and the second spacer end. The lower spacer plate may have a third width about equal to the second width.