Bolt Retention Assembly with Extended Travel for Work Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt retention systems for wear members on machines like mining and construction equipment are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, and the spring-based retention systems often fail to securely attach wear members due to limited force and wear-related issues, leading to premature detachment.
Innovation Solution
A bolt retention assembly comprising an adapter and slide mechanism that allows for quick locking and unlocking of wear members onto a work implement, utilizing a bolt that tightens to compress the slide and engage a retainer plate, ensuring secure attachment and accommodating wear through adjustable travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-based retention systems are used to attach wear members, then the wear members can be retained on the work implement, but the retention force is limited and the system becomes cumbersome to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring assembly from the retention system entirely, extracting the problematic component that limited retention force and added complexity. The solution uses a direct bolt connection between the retainer plate and work implement, eliminating the need for springs while achieving more reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is divided into separate functional components: the retainer plate that attaches to the wear member, the bolt that provides the retention force, and the adapter that interfaces with the work implement. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment.
2Force
If spring assemblies are used to provide retention force, then the wear member can be held in place, but the force is limited and wear of components decreases the effectiveness of the retention system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force application from elastic spring force to direct mechanical bolt force. The bolt can be tightened to provide consistent, high retention force that does not degrade with wear, unlike spring force which diminishes as springs wear and lose elasticity.
3Reliability
If wear members are secured with bolt retention systems, then the attachment can be secure, but the assembly and disassembly process takes time and requires the machine to be taken out of service
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer plate is designed with pre-positioned holes and features that align with the work implement and bolt pattern, allowing for quick insertion and attachment. The preliminary design of the retainer plate geometry enables rapid assembly without complex alignment procedures, reducing downtime while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bolt retention assembly (200) defines a horizontal direction (X direction), a vertical direction (Z direction), and a lateral direction (Y direction) that is perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction) and the horizontal direction (X direction). The bolt retention assembly (200) includes an adapter (202) including a forward abutment portion (206) and a rearward horizontally oriented saddle portion (208). The adapter (202) may also define an interior aperture (210). The bolt retention assembly (200) further includes a slide (204) including a forward threaded portion (212) configured to fit within the interior aperture (210) of the adapter (202), and a rearward horizontally oriented pronged portion (214) configured to pass through the rearward horizontally oriented saddle portion (208) of the adapter (202).