Boltless Cam Locking Mechanism for Agricultural Blade Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machinery attachments, such as sod cutter blades, are difficult to replace due to bolt connections that become distorted and bent during use, making it challenging and dangerous to remove and replace worn blades.
Innovation Solution
A boltless assembly featuring a holder with a cam element that rotates between unlocked and locked positions, using a tension spring linkage to securely engage the attachment arm, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolt connections are used to attach blades to machinery, then the attachment can be securely fastened, but the bolts become distorted and bent during use, making it difficult and dangerous to remove and replace worn blades
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a holder mounted on the machinery and a cam element that can be rotated independently to lock and unlock the blade. This segmentation allows the blade to be quickly released by rotating the cam element without requiring bolt removal, solving the contradiction between secure fastening and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam element is designed to rotate between a locked position (where it engages the blade to secure it) and an unlocked position (where it releases the blade). This dynamic mechanism allows the attachment to transition between secure fastening and easy removal by simply rotating the cam element, eliminating the difficulty of bolt removal while maintaining reliable attachment during operation.
2Reliability
If traditional bolt connections are used, then the attachment can be firmly secured, but the process of removing bolts is time-consuming and increases the risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element is pre-positioned in a locked state during assembly, automatically securing the blade without requiring subsequent bolt tightening. To remove the blade, the cam element is rotated to the unlocked position, which preliminary prepares the system for quick blade replacement without time-consuming bolt removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the traditional bolt connection system and implemented as a separate, dedicated cam element mechanism. This extracted mechanism can be independently operated to lock and unlock the blade, eliminating the need to manipulate multiple bolts and significantly reducing the time required for blade replacement while maintaining firm security during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a cam element locking mechanism is implemented, then the attachment can be easily locked and unlocked, but the mechanism adds complexity to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element locking mechanism is merged with the holder assembly as an integrated unit. The cam element rotates within the holder structure, and the spring linkage is incorporated into the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring linkage automatically returns the cam element to its locked position after the blade is attached, and the cam element self-locks when rotated to the locked position. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing mechanism complexity while preserving ease of locking and unlocking operations.
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
Enables safe and efficient replacement of worn attachments by eliminating the need for bolt removal, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining machine performance by providing a secure locking mechanism that does not interfere with the operational area.
Implementation Method 1
the cam element is rotated through an operating lever rotationally connected to the support structure and connected to the cam element through a spring linkage or tension spring
Implementation Method 2
a cam element to lock the attachment to the holder on the support structure. The cam element is rotationally connected to the support structure and rotates between an unlocked position and a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for connecting an attachment to a support structure of a machine is disclosed. The assembly includes a holder on the support structure of the machine and a cam element to lock the attachment to the support structure. The cam element is rotationally connected to the support structure and rotates between an unlocked position and a locked position. As disclosed, in the locked position, the cam element extends through an opening along a backside of the holder to engage an indent surface on a backside of an attachment arm to secure the attachment to the machine.