Central Bolt Retention for High-Torque Earth Working Tool Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth working machines face challenges in reliably and predictably securing the axial positional retention of working apparatuses due to unpredictable loosening and tightening torques with conventional bolt arrangements, which are limited by the use of threaded rods and retaining nuts, and require cumbersome tools for high torque applications.
Innovation Solution
The method and apparatus utilize the drive configuration of the earth working machine to apply high tightening and loosening torques to a central bolt arrangement, bracing the bolt component against rotational movement, and using the drive configuration's rotation to introduce bolting moments of 2500 Nm or more, eliminating the need for external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tools like torque wrenches are used to apply tightening torque to the bolt arrangement, then the operation can be performed with standard equipment, but the torque is limited and insufficient for high-force applications
Solution Approach 1:
The drive configuration itself is used to apply the tightening torque to the central bolts. The drive mechanism that rotates the working apparatus during operation is repurposed to provide the high tightening force needed to secure the bolts, eliminating the need for external high-torque tools while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive configuration serves multiple functions: it drives the working apparatus during normal operation and also provides the tightening force for securing the central bolts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate high-torque tools, combining the driving and fastening functions into a single system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a threaded rod and retaining nut arrangement is used, then the bolt arrangement can be assembled in portions, but the assembly process becomes complex and the machine state upon loosening is unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function and the centering function into a single flange connection system. The flanges provide both the structural connection and the alignment, while the central bolts secure the entire assembly in one predictable operation, eliminating the need for partial assembly and reducing overall complexity.
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
This approach ensures reliable and predictable axial positional retention of the working apparatus with simplified tool-free operation, allowing for efficient installation and removal of the working apparatus on the machine body.
Implementation Method 1
utilize the drive configuration of the earth working machine to apply high tightening and loosening torques to a central bolt arrangement
Implementation Method 2
bracing the bolt component against rotational movement, and using the drive configuration's rotation to introduce bolting moments
Data Source
AI summary
An earth working machine encompasses a machine body having a machine frame and a drive configuration rotationally drivable relative to the machine frame around a drive axis (A). It further encompasses a working apparatus (32) for earth working to which the drive configuration is releasably connected in drive torque-transferring fashion for rotation together, the drive configuration projecting from an axial end axially into the working apparatus (32) and the working apparatus (32) being retained on the drive configuration, against axial displacement relative to the drive configuration, by an accessible central bolt arrangement having a bolt axis collinear with the drive axis (A). Provision is made according to the present invention that the earth working machine encompasses a bolting moment bracing arrangement (82) which is connected or connectable in bolting moment-transferring fashion to a bolt component, helically movable relative to the drive configuration, of the bolt arrangement, and which comprises a bracing region (82e, 82gf) that is embodied for bolting moment-bracing abutment in a bracing bolting direction against a counterpart bracing region (84b, 84c), the drive configuration being embodied to be driven to rotate, in a rotation direction codirectional with the bracing bolting direction, while the bracing region (82e, 82f) is in abutment against the counterpart bracing region (84b, 84c).