Work Vehicle Track Rollers with Variable Diameter

Solution Overview

Problem

The frontmost and rearmost track rollers in work vehicles tend to wear out faster than the intermediate rollers, reducing the durability and efficiency of the tracking system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a work vehicle traveling apparatus with a track frame supported by small and large track rollers, where the large rollers have a greater tread diameter than the small rollers, are strategically positioned at the ends to distribute load and reduce wear, with a configuration that includes a sprocket, idler, and carrier rollers to guide the endless track.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all track rollers have the same diameter, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the frontmost and rearmost track rollers wear out faster than intermediate rollers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of track rollersVSAvoidtrack roller configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the diameter of track rollers based on their position and wear characteristics. Frontmost and rearmost track rollers are equipped with larger diameters compared to intermediate rollers, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements and wear patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter (diameter) of track rollers to improve durability. By increasing the diameter of frontmost and rearmost track rollers, the patent addresses the higher wear rates experienced at these positions while maintaining uniformity in intermediate rollers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If larger diameter rollers are used at front and rear positions, then wear resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear life of track rollersVSAvoidtrack roller production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the track roller system into different types based on position: frontmost rollers, rearmost rollers, and intermediate rollers. This segmentation allows for differentiated manufacturing approaches where larger rollers are produced only where needed, optimizing resource allocation and manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the diameter of track rollers based on their position and wear characteristics. Frontmost and rearmost track rollers are equipped with larger diameters compared to intermediate rollers, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements and wear patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If uniform track rollers are used throughout, then the structure is simplified, but load distribution is uneven causing premature wear at critical positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload distribution on track rollersVSAvoidroller size variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the diameter of track rollers based on their position and wear characteristics. Frontmost and rearmost track rollers are equipped with larger diameters compared to intermediate rollers, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific functional requirements and wear patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter (diameter) of track rollers to improve durability. By increasing the diameter of frontmost and rearmost track rollers, the patent addresses the higher wear rates experienced at these positions while maintaining uniformity in intermediate rollers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances the durability and wear life of the frontmost and rearmost track rollers, improving the overall performance and longevity of the tracking system by distributing the load more evenly and reducing wear on critical components.

Implementation Method 1

The track is supported by a plurality of track rollers and a plurality of carrier rollers disposed between the sprocket and the idler in the vehicle frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9694862B2Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A work vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a work implement, a track frame, a sprocket, an idler, a plurality of small track rollers, and first and second large track rollers. The track frame comprises opposite first and second end sections, and opposite upper and lower sections. The sprocket and idler are rotatably mounted to the first and second end sections, respectively, to movably support an endless track. The small and large track rollers are rotatably mounted to the lower section between the sprocket and idler and are unmovable in vertical and horizontal directions of the track frame. The small track rollers are all disposed between the first and second large track rollers. Each small track roller defines a respective small track rolling surface having a respective first tread diameter and each large track roller defines a respective large track rolling surface having a respective second tread diameter greater than each respective first tread diameter.