Articulated Wear Part Lock to Resist Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wear member locks for earth-working equipment face challenges in providing strong, durable, and easy-to-install solutions that resist ejection and are cost-effective, while also being simple to manufacture, inventory, and use.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement for wear members that includes a hinged lock with adjustable positions, utilizing a frusta-conical insert to secure the lock in place without resilient elements, and end walls shaped to resist ejection, with interlocks for stability and a design allowing the lock to be preloaded for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lock arrangements are used to retain wear members, then the wear member can be secured to the equipment, but the lock is prone to ejection during use and requires resilient elements that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resilient element (elastomer) from the lock assembly entirely, extracting the source of complexity while maintaining retention functionality through a purely mechanical hinged design with retainers that engage positive stop positions
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is divided into separate hinged members that can pivot independently, allowing the lock to transition between extended (locked) and retracted (unlocked) positions while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to ejection forces
2Strength
If a strong and durable lock is designed to resist ejection, then retention strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using resilient elements to provide retention force, the patent inverts the approach by using a rigid hinged structure with positive mechanical engagement (retainers and stop positions) that provides strength through geometric constraint rather than elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The lock design uses simple, inexpensive materials and manufacturing processes (metal casting or machining of hinged members with integrated retainers) rather than complex resilient elements, making the lock both cost-effective and sufficiently durable for its intended service life
3Reliability
If a lock with multiple positions and interlocks is designed, then security and durability are improved, but ease of operation and installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock incorporates a hinged mechanism that allows dynamic movement between extended and retracted positions, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining secure locked position through positive mechanical engagement of retainers with stop positions
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged lock design allows the operator to simply pivot the lock into the extended position for automatic engagement of retainers with stop positions, or retract it for removal, without requiring complex manipulation tools or procedures
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
The solution provides a strong, durable, and cost-effective locking system that is easy to manufacture and use, ensuring secure attachment of wear members to earth-working equipment while resisting ejection and simplifying installation and replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is installed in the hole and engages the bearing surfaces to limit pivotal movement of the hinged members and secure the wear member to the earth working equipment
Implementation Method 2
The hinged members are interlocked by at least one tongue and groove configuration to limit separation of the members along a pivot axis of the hinged members
Implementation Method 3
The end walls can be engaged in the two distinct location to secure the wear member in a release position and a hold position
Data Source
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AI summary
An articulated lock for securing a wear member to earth- working equipment includes a plurality of bodies interconnected for pivotal movement between an extended orientation with the bodies aligned and a retracted orientation with the bodies folded. The lock in the extended orientation can engage an opening of the wear member at an inner hold position to secure the wear member to the earth-working equipment or an outer release position. In the folded orientation the lock disengages from the opening of the wear member. Each body has a slot and a tab and, in the extended orientation, the tab of each body is received in the slot of the other body to limit separation of the bodies.