Deck Bushing Housing Geometry for Fast Alignment and Debris Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deck bushings in blasthole drilling machines face challenges with alignment due to anti-rotation features that require difficult alignment of reaction surfaces and are prone to blockage by drilling debris, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
A deck bushing system with a tubular member having a generally square-shaped flange and a V-shaped deck bushing housing that allows for easier alignment and debris migration, preventing rotation of the outer tubular member while allowing the inner tubular member to rotate, facilitating efficient placement and reducing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If anti-rotation features with reaction surfaces are used in deck bushings, then rotation prevention is achieved, but alignment difficulty increases and operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with an asymmetric keyway feature that engages with a corresponding asymmetric reaction surface on the deck bushing housing. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent alignment guidance during installation, eliminating the need for difficult manual alignment while maintaining effective anti-rotation capability once installed
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional flange shapes are used in deck bushings, then manufacturing is simple, but debris blockage occurs and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange incorporates a curved outer edge surface that transitions from the flat flange face to the cylindrical tubular member. This curved geometry prevents dirt and drilling debris from accumulating in sharp corners or flat surfaces, allowing debris to naturally migrate off the flange during operation, thereby maintaining reliability without complicating manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A deck bushing system for a drilling machine having a mast deck including a deck hole is disclosed. The deck bushing system may include a deck bushing sized to be received in the deck hole. The deck bushing may include a tubular member having a generally square shaped flange. Additionally, the deck bushing system may include a deck bushing housing fixedly secured to the mast deck. The deck bushing housing may form a generally V-shape opening toward the deck hole.