C-Shaped Lock Retainer for Earth-Working 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 with a C-shaped configuration and detent projections/recesses, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of ground engaging tools by rotating the lock, and features like a helical surface or eccentric design to reduce friction from work material accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pin-based locking system is used to attach ground engaging tools, then the attachment is secure, but the system complexity increases and detachment becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is divided into separate functional components: a body with a cavity, a lock that rotates within the cavity, and a tool with a post. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall assembly and detachment process compared to traditional multi-part pin-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed to rotate dynamically between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the lock engages with the post to secure the tool. In the unlocked position, the lock disengages to allow tool removal. This dynamic rotation mechanism replaces static pin-based systems, reducing complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If work material accumulates in the retainer system, then the attachment remains secure, but friction increases affecting tool longevity and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the work material from the critical friction zones between moving parts. The C-shaped portion of the lock and the detent mechanism are positioned to minimize contact with accumulated material, allowing the material to be excluded from areas that would generate excessive friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface geometry of the lock and cavity is modified with specific contours and angles that change the friction parameters. The C-shaped portion and detent projections are designed with optimized contact surfaces that reduce coefficient of friction even when material is present, thereby protecting tool longevity while maintaining attachment security.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may include an inner surface extending between a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end to define a lock slot. The inner surface may include a first inner surface extending from the first circumferential end to a midpoint between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end and a second inner surface extending from the second circumferential end to the midpoint. The first inner surface and the second inner surface may be symmetrical with respect to a first plane substantially parallel to a lock rotation axis. On a plane substantially perpendicular to the lock rotation axis, a distance between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end may be less than a maximum distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.