Digging Implement Plug Transverse Welding for Shock Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digging implements used for tough materials like hardened clay or stony ground face rapid weld failure due to high shock loading, as existing welds are subjected to longitudinal shear stress, limiting their durability and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A digging implement design featuring a plug with precision-fitting sections that distribute impact forces transversely, providing a larger weld surface area and using multiple physical connections to enhance strength, including a sliding hammer mechanism that transfers forces directly to the implement head, reducing longitudinal stress on the shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If re-enforced welds with large weld surface areas are used, then weld strength is improved, but the welds are still subjected to longitudinal sheer stress which reduces their effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld strengthVSAvoidweld durability under shock loading
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional longitudinal weld arrangement by using transverse welds that run perpendicular to the direction of impact force. This inversion allows the welds to resist shock loading more effectively, as transverse welds are substantially stronger than longitudinal welds when subjected to forces along the length of the shaft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional longitudinal weld arrangement to a two-dimensional transverse weld configuration. By positioning welds at right angles to the force direction and distributing them around the shaft circumference, the solution adds dimensional complexity that enables better stress distribution and resistance to shock loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the available contact area of the shaft is used for welding, then weld surface area is increased, but the welds remain vulnerable to longitudinal shear stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld surface areaVSAvoidresistance to shock loading
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of welding along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the patent inverts the weld orientation to run transversely across the shaft. This allows the full contact area of the shaft to be utilized for welding while the transverse orientation ensures the welds are positioned to resist shock loading forces effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a plug structure with precision fit is used, then impact forces are distributed transversely, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness to repetitive useVSAvoidconstruction methodology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into distinct components: a plug fitted into the shaft and a head attached to the plug. This segmentation allows the plug to serve as an intermediary that distributes impact forces transversely across multiple weld points, improving robustness while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design significantly improves the robustness and durability of digging implements by distributing impact forces transversely, reducing weld failure and maintaining performance in hard conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A digging implement design featuring a plug with precision-fitting sections that distribute impact forces transversely, providing a larger weld surface area and using multiple physical connections to enhance strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force distribution: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

including a sliding hammer mechanism that transfers forces directly to the implement head, reducing longitudinal stress on the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical impact: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2533947B1Improvements in and relating to implements
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 IRVIN TIMOTHY JAMES
  • EP2533947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2533947B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2533947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An implement including: - a shaft; - a plug; - a tool portion, the implement characterised in that the plug is received and retained at one end of the shaft and wherein the plug and/or the tool portion are adapted to engage with one another.