C-Shaped Lock Retainer for Ground Engaging Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer systems for ground engaging tools on earth-working machines face issues with secure attachment and detachment, as well as increased friction due to work material accumulation, which affects the longevity and efficiency of the tools.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system comprising a lock and retainer bushing configuration with a C-shaped portion and detent projections/recesses, allowing for secure locking and easy detachment of ground engaging tools, while reducing friction through design features like recessed portions and eccentric surfaces to accommodate worn posts and work material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer system uses a pin and retainer configuration with threaded connections, then the ground engaging tool can be securely attached to the support structure, but the detachment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is divided into distinct functional components: a C-shaped lock body with a lock slot, a separate retainer bushing, and a post. This segmentation allows the lock body to rotate independently to control access to the lock slot, while the retainer bushing provides structural support and alignment. The segmented design enables quick engagement by simply inserting the post into the lock slot and rotating the lock body to the locked position, and quick detachment by rotating the lock body to unlock and removing the post.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is designed to be dynamically rotatable about the post axis, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic rotation mechanism allows the entrance to the lock slot to be selectively blocked or exposed, providing secure attachment when locked and easy detachment when unlocked, without requiring threading or complex fastening operations.
2Reliability
If the retainer system components fit tightly together, then the attachment is more secure, but friction increases due to work material accumulation between surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the critical locking function from continuous surface contact by using a discrete lock slot that receives the post. The lock body rotates to block or expose this slot, providing security without requiring extensive tight-fitting surfaces where work material could accumulate. The minimal contact surfaces between components reduce areas where friction-generating material could build up.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock slot acts as an intermediary mechanism between the post and the lock body. Instead of relying on friction between large contacting surfaces, the system uses the geometric fit of the post in the lock slot combined with the rotational blocking action of the lock body to provide secure attachment while minimizing friction-prone contact areas.
3Ease of operation
If the lock slot is easily accessible, then the ground engaging tool can be quickly attached and detached, but the lock may not securely block the slot during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed to be rotatable about the post axis, dynamically transitioning between positions where the lock slot entrance is exposed (easy access for attachment/detachment) and where the lock slot entrance is blocked (secure locking during operation). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between accessibility and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through periodic rotation of the lock body, creating alternating states of accessibility and security. During normal operation, the lock body maintains a blocked position for security. When attachment or detachment is needed, the lock body rotates to expose the lock slot, performs the operation, then rotates back to the blocked position, providing periodic access while maintaining continuous security during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion having a tool interface configured to receive a tool for applying torque about a lock rotation axis and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion and defining a lock slot for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing. The head portion may include a wall extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the lock rotation axis. The wall may include a first surface from which the tool interface extends, a second surface, opposite the first surface, from which the C-shaped portion extends, and a through-hole having a first end opening out to the tool interface and a second end opening out to the lock slot defined by the C-shaped portion.