Tension adjustment mechanism for a work machine
US6948783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D55/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a track-type machine having a drive wheel and an idler. The method includes operating the drive wheel to advance a drive track around the drive wheel and the idler thereby moving the track-type machine. The method further includes determining a force to be applied to the idler based on a direction of operation of the drive wheel and applying the force to the idler. The method may include varying the force applied to the idler as a function of a drawbar load of the machine. The method may include sensing a pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel, wherein the force is determined based on the sensed pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel. The method may include determining a force to be applied to the idler by selecting a recoil curve, sensing a position of the idler, and selecting the force to be applied based on a point on the selected recoil curve that corresponds to the sensed position of the idler on the selected recoil curve. The recoil curve may be selected from a plurality of recoil curves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.