Compressible Lock Assembly for Ground Engaging Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock assemblies for ground engaging tools in earth-working machines are inefficient in securely attaching and detaching wear members due to lack of effective rotational resistance and torque application, leading to wear and damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A compressible lock assembly with a rigid latch member and tool engaging feature that allows for secure attachment and easy detachment by rotating the base within an aperture, utilizing a ramp surface and tool engaging feature to apply torque and resist rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid lock assembly is used to securely attach wear members, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of detachment deteriorates due to excessive rotational resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with compressible material that allows dynamic adjustment of rotational resistance. During normal operation, the compressed base maintains strong attachment. During detachment, the base can be decompressed to reduce rotational resistance, enabling easier removal with simple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the base material from permanently rigid to temporarily compressible. By applying compression force during installation, the base achieves high rotational resistance for secure attachment. The compressible nature allows parameter adjustment to facilitate detachment when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a compressible base is used to facilitate detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but attachment strength deteriorates due to insufficient rotational resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The base is pre-compressed during the attachment process to achieve high rotational resistance and secure attachment. This preliminary compression action ensures strong attachment during operation, while the compressed state can be released later for easy detachment.
3Device complexity
If a simple latch member is used for attachment, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to resist wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly combines a rigid latch member for structural integrity with a compressible base material for wear resistance and damage absorption. This composite structure maintains simplicity while improving reliability through material diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible base material serves as a cushioning element that absorbs wear and damage before they reach the rigid latch member. This beforehand cushioning protects the critical components while maintaining simple overall structure.
4Device complexity
If no tool engaging feature is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to difficulty in applying torque for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member includes a tool engaging feature that enables the operator to apply torque directly to the attachment mechanism. This self-service feature allows the operator to efficiently detach wear members without requiring additional specialized tools or mechanisms.
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
The lock assembly provides secure attachment and easy detachment of wear members, reducing wear and damage by allowing for controlled rotation and torque application, thus extending the life of ground engaging tools.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible base. The compressible base may include a front face and a back face opposite the front face
Implementation Method 2
The latch member may include a ramp extending away from the front face. The ramp may have a low end and an elevated end, the elevated end extending further away from the front face than the low end
Implementation Method 3
The latch member includes a tool engaging feature extending into the ramp
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lock assembly (300) includes a compressible base. The compressible base (310) includes a front face (312) and a back face (314). The front face (312) and the back face (314) may each have a noncircular shape. The lock assembly (300) includes a rigid latch member (330) extending from the front face (312) of the compressible base (310). The latch member (330) includes a ramp extending away from the front face (312). The ramp may have a low (366) end and an elevated end (364), the elevated end extending further away from the front face (312) than the low end. The latch member includes a tool engaging feature (360) extending into the ramp.