Center Adapter Structure for Durable Notched Base Edge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work implement adapters lack durability and longevity, failing to meet customer requirements for longevity and durability in applications such as bucket assemblies used in earth moving and construction equipment.
Innovation Solution
A center adapter with a body featuring a nose portion, legs, and a throat portion, including apertures for mounting mechanisms, and a pocket with a sloped portion and protrusion for enhanced attachment and stability, designed to mate with a notched base edge, along with load sharing blocks for improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current adapters are used to attach tools to work implements, then the attachment function is provided, but the durability and longevity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a sloped portion with an oblique angle that creates a curved or angled contact surface between the adapter and the notched base edge. This curved geometry maximizes the contact area between components, distributing stresses more effectively and improving the durability and longevity of the adapter attachment.
2Reliability
If the adapter contact area with base edge is increased, then durability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is segmented into distinct functional portions: a nose portion for tool attachment, legs that define the slot and apertures, a throat portion connecting the legs, and a sloped portion for base edge engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the adapter have different geometric properties optimized for their specific functions: the sloped portion has an oblique angle for maximizing contact area with the base edge, the legs define apertures for mounting mechanisms, and the throat portion connects the structural elements. This local optimization achieves high durability without unnecessary overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter includes a first leg, a second leg, and a throat portion that define a slot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement assembly, a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly and the lateral direction. The throat portion further includes a first throat side surface disposed along the lateral direction and a second throat side surface disposed on the opposite side of the throat portion along the lateral direction. The first throat side surface defines a first adapter cover receiving recess.