Cone Crusher Head Bolt Tightening Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of tightening head bolts in cone crushers using a hammer is hazardous due to the risk of slipping and hitting wrong targets, posing safety concerns during maintenance operations.

Innovation Solution

A head bolt tightening tool that includes a support for non-rotatably holding the head assembly, a reaction arm to secure a torque wrench, and adjustable pins for precise alignment, allowing for controlled torque application using a hydraulic wrench, thereby reducing human effort and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hammer and wrench are used to tighten the head bolt manually, then the tightening process can be completed without additional equipment, but the working conditions become hazardous due to the risk of slipping and hitting wrong targets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightening operationVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized tightening tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the head bolt. This tool includes a support structure that securely holds the head assembly, a reaction arm that provides stable positioning, and a drive interface that safely transmits tightening force. The intermediary tool eliminates the need for manual hammering while reducing the hazards of uncontrolled force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (hammer and wrench) with a controlled mechanical system. The tightening tool incorporates a reaction arm that counterbalances forces, a support structure that prevents rotation, and a drive interface that provides controlled torque application. This substitution transforms the uncontrolled manual process into a controlled mechanical system, thereby improving safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual tightening with a wrench is used, then the equipment remains simple and portable, but the tightening torque cannot be controlled precisely leading to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool structureVSAvoidtightening torque control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms into the tightening tool. The reaction arm provides real-time force feedback to the operator, allowing adjustment of tightening force. The support structure with its adjustable pins provides positional feedback to ensure proper alignment. These feedback elements enable precise torque control while maintaining relatively simple tool construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows for parameter changes in the tightening process through adjustable components. The support structure includes adjustable pins that can be positioned at different locations to accommodate various head sizes. The reaction arm can be adjusted to different positions to optimize torque application. These adjustable parameters enable precise control of tightening torque for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the head bolt is tightened with excessive force, then the mantle fixation is secure, but the inner thread in the movable head breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemantle fixationVSAvoidthread damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing a tightening tool with built-in force control mechanisms. The reaction arm and support structure are engineered to distribute and control the tightening force, preventing excessive forces from being applied to the inner thread. This prior cushioning protection ensures that the mantle achieves secure fixation while the delicate inner thread is protected from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The tightening tool acts as an intermediary that protects the inner thread from direct exposure to excessive forces. The drive interface and reaction arm system mediate the force transmission, ensuring that only appropriate forces are applied to the head bolt while preventing force spikes that could damage the thread. This intermediary protection allows secure mantle fixation without thread breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9393678B2Head bolt tightening tool for a cone crusher head assembly
Publication Date: 2016.07.19 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
  • US9393678B2 patent drawing
  • US9393678B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A head bolt tightening tool for a cone crusher head assembly includes a support which is able to support the head assembly non-rotatably on the support, and a reaction arm equipment which is fitted to the support and which is able to hold a head bolt tightening wrench non-rotatably relative to the support.