Bucket Edge Protection Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket edge protection systems for public works and mining machinery are unreliable due to insufficient clamping force in threaded rod assemblies, leading to potential detachment under vibrations and abrasion, and are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A protection device featuring a sliding rail with a wedge and locking key system, where the wedge is secured within a window on the rail using a locking key that pivots between two angular positions to lock or unlock the wedge, eliminating the need for tightening and ensuring secure attachment without loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded rod assembly is used to secure the wedge, then the wedge can be fixed in the window, but the assembly requires multiple turns of tightening and is time-consuming to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a threaded rod that requires multiple turns to tighten, the invention uses a key that pivots on a single axis. The key rotates approximately 90 degrees from a horizontal position (where it allows wedge removal) to a vertical position (where it locks against the locking abutment to secure the wedge). This inversion of the fastening mechanism reduces assembly time from multiple turns to a single quarter-turn motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is designed to be movable relative to the wedge, pivoting between two angular positions around a pivot axis. In the first angular position (horizontal), the key allows mounting and dismounting of the wedge. In the second angular position (vertical), the key comes into abutment against the locking abutment to prevent dismounting. This dynamic positioning enables rapid transition between assembly and locked states.
2Reliability
If a threaded rod is used with sufficient clamping force, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the threaded rod may loosen under vibrations and abrasion during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the threaded fastening system with a pivot-based locking system. The key pivots to a vertical position where it comes into abutment against a locking abutment arranged at the periphery of the window, creating a positive mechanical lock that prevents loosening under vibration and abrasion, unlike threaded rods that can gradually loosen.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is designed as a simple, robust component that can be easily replaced if needed, but more importantly, it provides a foolproof locking mechanism that eliminates the risk of loosening. The single-position locking design ensures that once locked, the wedge cannot accidentally loosen during operation, even under severe vibrational conditions.
3Reliability
If a threaded rod is used, then the fixing means can be secured, but it may become difficult to disassemble when particularly tight or jammed by accumulated materials
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring unscrewing motion that becomes difficult when tight or jammed, the invention uses a pivot motion where the key simply rotates 90 degrees to the horizontal position to release the lock. This pivot action requires minimal force and is not affected by material accumulation, making disassembly as easy as assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The key's movability relative to the wedge allows it to be easily positioned in either the locked or unlocked state. When in the first angular position, the key allows free mounting and dismounting of the wedge. The dynamic nature of this single-axis pivot system ensures consistent ease of operation regardless of tightening level or material accumulation.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent wedge removal, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a simple pivot-based locking mechanism where the key rotates on a single axis between two positions. This is much simpler than traditional multi-component locking systems. The key comes into abutment against a locking abutment at the periphery of the window, creating an effective lock with minimal components and straightforward geometry.
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 reliable, rapid, and easy assembly and disassembly of the protection device, preventing accidental detachment and reducing operator time and effort, while maintaining secure attachment even under operational stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The protection device also comprises a wedge which is designed to be mounted within the window so as to be housed, in the protection configuration, in the retaining crenel, in order to block the sliding of the protection part relative to the rail and thus secure them with each other
Implementation Method 2
the protective part comprises at least one locking abutment arranged at the periphery of the window, the protective device comprising a locking key movable relative to the wedge around a pivot axis, between a first angular position, in which it allows mounting and dismounting of the wedge in the window and a second angular position, in which the key comes into abutment against the locking abutment and thus prevents dismounting of the wedge
Implementation Method 3
in which the key comes into abutment against the locking abutment and thus prevents dismounting of the wedge
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting an edge of a bucket comprising a rail (2) having a retaining notch (3), including a protective part (4) which is designed so as to be slipped onto the rail and which includes at least one locking abutment. Said protective device also includes a shim (5) which is designed to be mounted on the protective part so as to be inserted into the retaining notch in order to block the sliding of the protective part. Said protective device includes a locking key (9) which is movable relative to the shim (5), between a first angular position, in which it allows the installation and the removal of the shim in the window (6), and a second angular position, in which the key abuts against the locking abutment and thus prevents the removal of the shim.