Student Project

[Nop_Nop]

I am looking for feedback on this 3D conveyor belt I am designing. If people could give me feedback on things such as the design of my prototype, ways to connect the chain links (e.g. metal pins, lubrication, etc.), types of plastic to use, and whether or not this would even be possible in a real life scenario I would greatly appreciate it. I don't have a background in engineering, so feel free to tell me any mistakes I may have made and what I could do to improve my prototype.

 

[Doug Hunter]

Is this a commercial project or a student project? This design concept is going to require a lot of precision (and cost) in the manufacture of the track pieces and the drive wheels, because their spacings have to be perfectly matched. That could possibly be alleviated by adding a nominal gap between the drive wheel openings and the track hubs. I'd recommend a nominal gap between the track flats when horizontal to accommodate variation, as well. This design is not going to be able to carry much weight unless you add outer support rails because any significant weight at the outside of the track is going to cause tipping forces which will further complicate the tolerance issues.

 

[rb1957]

I understand this is a student project, as such it'll never approach a commercial standard (though the more issues it addresses the better).

As such, it should (IMHO) be your work, which isn't asking us (unless we point you at references and give you hints for you to research).

What can you find online ? (what have you already searched online ?)
maintenance manuals for tracked vehicles ? design guide for tracked vehicles ? who makes things like this (military and commercial) ? is there someone nearby you, who you visit ?

What is the objective of the track ? Is this for outdoors (dirty and muddy) or indoors ??
How did you decide on the drive wheel geometry/design ? (it looks rather "odd" to me, but that could be nothing, or it could be an innovative design.)
Typical tracks (AFAIK) have a link/hinge between the pieces of track and a dedicated fitting to engage the drive wheel; you have made the hinge do both jobs.
How much torque is transmitted by the drive wheel ?

two comments ...
1) it looks like you have drive wheels at both ends of your track. This is "unusual". Normally one drive wheel and the other is an "idler", keeping the track under the proper tension.
2) Make sure you have some means to maintain track tension
3) Don't be afraid of failure. This project is meant IMHO to demonstrate your knowledge, and not to create a perfect track design; how much you know (and don't know), how you go about researching. When you present your profs should literally bombard you with questions, many of which you didn't consider, some you may have appreciated as an issue but don't have a (good) solution. How is this thing going to perform ? How are you going to build it ? How are you going to deal with tolerances (you draw each track piece as exactly the same, but they will vary; over time they will wear) how are you going to maintain it ??

 

[waross]

Look in catalogues such as Boston Gear. (I hope that they are still there. They were one of my "Go To"resources years ago.)
They will offer all sorts of chains and matching sprockets.
You will see chains with tabs for the purpose of installing plates or slats.
You will find engineering data.
You will find pre-lubricated chains.

Anecdote:
I found myself with a lot of standby generator work.
I spent hours and days pouring over online catalogues.
I would select a set.
I would not the engine model and the generator end model.
I would then look for sets using either or both the same components and compare the ratings.
I called up the manufacturers rep for the third largest gen-set manufacturer in the world at that time.
I told them what I needed for ratings of a standby gen-set.
I suggested what the model number might be.
They told me that they were sorry but no such set existed.
I quoted the model number of a prime power set and asked if they could supply that.
Yes, that was listed in the catalogue and they would be happy to supply it.
Then I asked what would the rating be if they re-rated that set as a standby set.
Let us get back to you.
A short time later they called back and said that they would be happy to supply a standby set with exactly the specs that I needed.
The cherry on top? I had correctly foretold the exact model number.

This is not to brag. I was doing my job.
This is to emphasize how much resource material is already out there.
Stop looking for instant answers and invest some real time in your own research.
May manufacturers provide an incredible amount of information and engineering advice online.
Spend 5 or 10 hours looking at what is already available.

Don't stop at Boston Gear.
Look at chain manufacturers websites.
Look at more that on site.
Some manufacturers provide much more information that others.
You will find information on how chains are made.
You will find information on how chains are lubricated.
You will find information on how bearings are made.
You will find information on how bearings are lubricated.
You will find chains that permit gentle curves.
Much of the information may not be immediately useful but much more important you will be sharpening your research skills.
You will also be storing tidbits of information in long term memory.
In years to come, you will encounter issues and problems and remember;
"I have heard about this. I will go back and find that reference."
Preparation such as this may someday make part of the difference between a good engineer and a great engineer.

 

[rb1957]

damn ! just don't make waross angry ! though seriously, an enormously useful post from someone who has done this type of work.

 

[waross]

just don't make waross angry

Not angry at all.
Trying to be helpful.
But
Not very diplomatic either. Sorry, that's just me.
I am frustrated from time to time by the younger generation.
There are lots of quick answers available on the internet, some of them are actually correct.
What I am trying to share is that I gained knowledge from my hours of study that I would never find conveniently in one place on the 'net, if at all.
That knowledge helps me to this day.

 

[LittleInch]

That doesn't look like a conveyor to me.

Without support you will get sag on the upper run.

How is the pin attached to the tread?

Those treads look took close to each other. Do you need that? A gap would avoid interface issues.