Coupling Pin With Elastic Latch for Earth-Moving Wear Element Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems in earth-moving machines face challenges with pin retention, leading to potential loss and breakage due to stress and wear, which can result in downtime and damage to other machinery.
Innovation Solution
A pin with an elongated body featuring curved surfaces and a retention system comprising a latch and elastic block, which facilitates secure insertion, extraction, and retention within the coupling system, minimizing ejection forces and preventing breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple pin is used to couple the wear element to the support, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the coupling under stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into distinct functional segments: the body for insertion, the elastic block for energy storage and thrust generation, and the latch for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin incorporates dynamic elements including the elastic block that can be compressed and expand to apply thrust force, and the latch that can move between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic behavior enables the pin to automatically adjust to stress conditions and maintain reliable coupling.
2Reliability
If a retention element with elastic block is added to prevent pin ejection, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention functionality is merged into the pin itself rather than being a separate component. The elastic block and latch are integrated within the pin body, creating a self-contained retention mechanism that prevents pin ejection without requiring additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin's retention mechanism is self-actuating through the elastic block that automatically generates thrust force to engage the latch. The system uses its own internal elastic energy to maintain the locked position without requiring external power sources or control systems.
3Reliability
If the pin is designed to be securely retained, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation for replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the elastic block maintains the latch in the locked position for reliable retention. During replacement, external force can overcome the elastic thrust to move the latch to the unlocked position, enabling easy pin removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic block is pre-compressed during installation to store energy that automatically engages the latch in the locked position. This preliminary action ensures the pin is securely retained during operation, while the stored energy also facilitates controlled release when replacement is needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pin structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the strength to withstand stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin employs composite construction combining the elastic block (typically polymer or elastomer material) with the latch and body (typically metal). This composite approach allows each material to contribute its superior properties: the elastic block provides flexibility and energy storage, while the metal components provide structural strength and durability under stress.
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 pin effectively secures the wear element to the support, reducing the risk of breakage and loss, while allowing for easy replacement, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The pin may include, in addition to the latch, an elastic member to apply a thrust force to the latch
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pin for coupling between a wear element and a support of an earth-moving machine and a coupling system, said system comprising a wear element, a support to receive said wear element and a pin to secure retention between the wear element and the support thereof. The female part is coupled to the male part, these two parts being kept coupled by means of the pin of the present invention which comprises a body, an elastic block and a latch that acts as a retention element. The pin that interacts with the latch that locks the pin in position. Said pin prevents the female part from coming out of the mounting position thereof with the male part and therefore keeps the coupling between both parts. The detachable lock enables the pin to be removed from the coupling..