Agricultural Disc Assembly Cap Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disc assemblies for agricultural machines face challenges in simple and quick handling, as riveted caps cannot be removed, bolted or injection-moulded plastic caps require specialized tools, and snap members often damage during removal, limiting access to tools in agricultural settings.
Innovation Solution
A cap connected to a disc member with a locking device that allows easy removal without contacting engagement members, using engagement members on the cap and disc, and an elastic portion for secure locking, enabling simple and efficient mounting and dismounting without damaging the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If riveted caps are used to secure the disc member, then the cap is firmly fixed and cannot be removed, but the cap cannot be removed when dismounting the disc
Solution Approach 1:
The cap transitions from a static fixed state during operation to a easily removable state during dismounting. The engagement members are designed to provide strong holding force when engaged, but can be easily disengaged by pulling the cap axially, transforming the fixing mechanism from permanently fixed to dynamically controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into separate engagement members on the cap and corresponding engagement features on the disc member. This segmentation allows the cap to be firmly fixed through multiple engagement points during operation, while enabling easy removal by disengaging these segmented components through axial movement.
2Ease of operation
If bolted caps or injection-moulded plastic caps are used, then the cap can be removed, but specialized tools are required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to be self-removable through simple axial pulling motion without requiring any external tools. The engagement members are configured such that the cap can be easily disengaged from the disc member by hand, making the system self-serviceable in field conditions where tools may not be available.
3Ease of operation
If snap members are used to retain the cap, then the cap can be removed without tools, but the cap is often damaged and has to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed to flexibly engage and disengage without damage. The cap can be easily removed by axial pulling, and the engagement members are configured to accommodate this movement without deforming or breaking, ensuring the cap can be reused multiple times without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are designed with sufficient engagement depth and appropriate geometric configuration to prevent damage during removal. The engagement features are positioned and dimensioned to distribute stresses evenly, preventing concentrated loads that could cause damage to the cap or disc member.
4Ease of operation
If a locking device separate from engagement members is used, then the cap can be removed by simple manipulation without contacting engagement members, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and engagement function are merged into a unified engagement member design. The same engagement members that secure the cap to the disc member also provide the locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining easy removal capability.
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 solution extends the service life of disc assembly parts, enhances bearing protection, and reduces costs by allowing easy and tool-free cap removal, ensuring reliable and space-efficient operation in agricultural machines.
Implementation Method 1
a locking device (17, 18) exhibited by the cap (8) and the disc member (7), said locking device comprising an elastic portion (17), exhibited by the cap (8), and a locking cavity (18), exhibited by the disc member (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a disc assembly (1) for an agricultural machine, comprising a disc member (7) and a cap (8), which disc member (2) includes a disc (2), as well as a disc member (7) and a cap (8) of such a disc assembly (1). The disc assembly (1) is characterized in that the cap (8) is provided with at least one engagement member (9) and the disc member (7) is provided with at least one engagement member (16), which engagement members (9, 16) are arranged to be in engagement with each other in a mounted position of the cap (8) on the disc member (7), the disc assembly (1) having a locking device (17, 18) that is arranged to assume, in the mounted position of the cap, a locking position so as for the cap (8) to be locked in relation to the disc member (7).