The design of installing a retractable rubber crawler undercarriage on spider machines (such as aerial work platforms, special robots, etc.) is to achieve the comprehensive needs of flexible movement, stable operation and ground protection in complex environments. The following is an analysis of the specific reasons:
1. Adapt to complex terrain
- Telescopic adjustment capability:
The retractable crawler chassis can dynamically adjust the width of the undercarriage according to the terrain (such as steps, gullies, slopes), avoiding getting stuck due to obstacles and improving passability. For example, when crossing steel bars or rubble at a construction site, the retractable structure can temporarily raise the chassis.
- Rough Terrain Stability:
The rubber tracks fit the uneven ground better than the wheeled undercarriage, dispersing the pressure and reducing slipping; the telescopic design can adjust the ground contact area and prevent rollover.
2. Protect the ground and the environment
- Advantages of rubber material:
Compared with steel tracks, rubber tracks cause less wear and tear on paved roads (such as marble, asphalt), lawns or indoor floors, avoiding leaving indentations or scratches, and are suitable for urban construction or indoor operations.
- Shock and Noise Reduction:
The elasticity of rubber can absorb vibrations, reduce equipment operating noise, and reduce interference with the surrounding environment (such as hospitals and residential areas).
3. Enhanced mobility and safety
- Working in narrow spaces:
The telescopic crawler undercarriage can shrink in width to allow the spider to pass through narrow passages (such as door frames and corridors), and unfold to restore stability after completing the task.
- Dynamic balance adjustment:
When working on slopes or uneven ground (such as exterior wall cleaning and high-altitude maintenance), the telescopic mechanism can automatically level the chassis to keep the working platform level and ensure safe operation.
4. Targeted design for special scenarios
- Rescue and disaster sites:
The ruins environment after earthquakes and fires is full of uncertain obstacles. The retractable tracks can flexibly respond to collapsed structures, and the rubber material reduces the risk of secondary damage.
- Agriculture and Forestry:
In muddy farmland or soft woodland, the rubber track chassis reduces soil compaction, and the telescopic function adapts to crop row spacing or tree root undulations.
5. Comparative advantages with steel track undercarriage
- Lightweight:
The rubber track undercarriage is lighter, reducing the overall load of the equipment, and is suitable for light spider machines or scenarios that require frequent transfers.
- Low maintenance cost:
The rubber track undercarriage does not require frequent lubrication and has a lower replacement cost than a steel track undercarriage, making it particularly suitable for short-term rental or intensive use.
Typical Cases
- Aerial work platform:
In urban glass curtain wall cleaning, the retractable rubber track chassis can be retracted to pass through narrow sidewalks, and can also stably support the platform after being deployed to avoid damaging the road surface.
- Fire Fighting Robot:
When entering a fire scene, the crawler chassis can be retracted to cross collapsed doors and windows. The rubber material can withstand the friction of high-temperature debris while protecting the ground in unburned areas.
The core logic of the spider machine using a retractable rubber track undercarriage is:
“Flexibly adapt to terrain + minimize environmental interference + ensure operational safety”.
This design balances efficiency and responsibility in engineering, rescue, municipal and other fields, making it an ideal solution for complex scenarios.