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
Engineering 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
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.
2Productivity
If conventional dragline bucket shaping is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but loading and unloading performance is low
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.
3Productivity
If dragline bucket with optimized dimensional ratios is designed, then operational efficiency is improved, but design complexity increases
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.
Data Source
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.


