Bolt Retainer Tube Structure for Pre-Installed Tool Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing ground engaging tools to large and heavy work implements requires manual support of suspended structures, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, as existing bolt retention methods do not effectively retain bolts within components before securing them to the work implement.
Innovation Solution
A bolt retainer configuration comprising a tube structure with bolt engaging elements extending from the inner surface to secure the bolt and component engaging elements from the outer surface to secure the component, allowing for pre-installation of bolts within a receiving element, thereby eliminating the need for manual support during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workers manually support suspended work implement during bolt installation, then bolts can be positioned within ground engaging tools, but the process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt retainer pre-installs and secures the bolt within the ground engaging tool before the tool is attached to the work implement. The retainer holds the bolt in the correct position and prevents it from falling out during handling and installation, eliminating the need for workers to manually support the suspended work implement during bolt installation.
2Reliability
If existing bolt retention methods are used, then bolts can be installed in ground engaging tools, but they do not effectively retain bolts within components before securing to work implement
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt retainer is divided into distinct functional segments: a tubular body for holding the bolt, engagement features (such as tabs or clips) that secure the bolt to the retainer, and attachment features that connect the retainer to the ground engaging tool. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt retainer acts as an intermediary device between the bolt and the ground engaging tool. It provides a reliable retention mechanism by mediating the connection, holding the bolt securely in place before final installation, and ensuring the bolt remains positioned correctly throughout the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt retainer, to position a bolt within a bolt receiving element of a component, is disclosed. The bolt retainer may include a tube structure. The bolt retainer may further include bolt engaging elements that extend from an inner surface of the tube structure to engage with the bolt. The bolt retainer may additionally include component engaging elements that extend from an outer surface of the tube structure to engage with the component.