Dragline Bucket Geometry and Arm Layout for Lower Weight Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dragline buckets in conventional machines suffer from low performance and productivity due to excessive body weight and non-optimized shaping, leading to inefficient loading and unloading operations.

Innovation Solution

The dragline bucket design incorporates specific dimensional ratios (W/L, FH/L, BH/L, and BH/FH) and a single-thickness sidewall structure, along with an angled arm configuration, to enhance stability and balance, reducing weight and improving productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional dragline bucket design is used, then structural strength is maintained, but body weight is excessive leading to low performance and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidbody weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the dimensional ratios of the bucket (W/L, FH/L, BH/L, BH/FH) and modifying the sidewall thickness distribution to achieve reduced weight while maintaining strength. The sidewall thickness transitions from thicker at the base to thinner at the top, changing the mass distribution parameter to reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional dragline bucket shaping is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but loading and unloading performance is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading and unloading performanceVSAvoidshaping complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different thicknesses to different portions of the sidewalls. The sidewalls have increased thickness at the base portion where structural strength is most needed, and reduced thickness at the upper portions where less strength is required. This localized variation in geometry optimizes both performance and manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If dragline bucket with optimized dimensional ratios is designed, then operational efficiency is improved, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific dimensional ratio parameters (W/L between 0.91-1.30, FH/L between 0.47-0.63, BH/L between 0.52-0.70, and BH/FH between 1.06-1.18) that define the optimized geometry. These parameter specifications provide clear design guidelines that balance operational efficiency with manufacturability, transforming complex optimization into manageable parameter ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250354347A1Dragline bucket and work machines, systems, and assemblies thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING LLC
  • US20250354347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250354347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250354347A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A dragline bucket can comprise a bottom wall; a first sidewall defining a first upper edge; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall defining a second upper edge; a first forward-facing projection on a first side of the dragline bucket; a second forward-facing projection on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side; a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall; and an arm extending from the first side to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls. In a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle relative to vertical.