Drilling Bucket Cam Release Mechanism for Spoil Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic release mechanisms in drilling buckets are inconsistent due to non-uniform crash plates, leading to misalignment and ineffective actuation of the mechanical release linkage, which can damage the release assembly and hinder efficient spoil collection and emptying.
Innovation Solution
A release assembly with a plunger and cam mechanism that can be actuated by crash plates of varying sizes, combined with a manual lever option, ensures secure holding of the floor in the closed position until actuated, protecting the release mechanism from damage and allowing for efficient spoil collection and emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical automatic release linkage is used, then the floor can be automatically opened to empty spoils, but the release mechanism is damaged due to misalignment from non-uniform crash plates
Solution Approach 1:
A cam assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the crash plate and the release linkage. The cam assembly receives downward force from the crash plate and converts it to rotational motion that reliably actuates the release mechanism, protecting the linkage from direct impact and misalignment damage
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly is pre-positioned to receive the crash plate force before it can directly impact the release linkage. This preliminary action of converting linear force to rotational motion through the cam ensures the release mechanism is activated correctly without suffering misalignment damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If crash plates of varying sizes are used, then different prime mover vehicles can operate the drilling bucket, but the automatic release linkage is not properly aligned on some buckets
Solution Approach 1:
The cam assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate crash plates of various sizes. The cam's geometry allows it to receive force from different crash plate configurations while maintaining consistent actuation of the release mechanism, enabling compatibility across multiple vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
The cam assembly changes the parameter of force application by converting vertical downward force from crash plates of different sizes into standardized rotational motion. This parameter transformation ensures consistent release mechanism actuation regardless of crash plate dimensions
3Device complexity
If the release assembly is exposed to earthen spoils, then the structure can be simplified, but the release assembly is damaged from contact with spoils
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket interior is divided into two separate cavities: one for receiving spoils and another for housing the release assembly. This segmentation physically isolates the release mechanism from spoil contact while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a partition wall
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 ensures reliable and efficient operation of the drilling bucket by allowing actuation by crash plates of different sizes, protecting the release assembly from damage and facilitating easy manual operation, thereby improving spoil collection and emptying processes.
Implementation Method 1
The automatic release assembly includes a plunger combined with a release mechanism via a cam assembly. The cam assembly allows the plunger to be positioned near the center of the bucket to receive downward force from the prime mover's crash plate
Implementation Method 2
The cam assembly allows the plunger to be positioned near the center of the bucket to receive downward force from the prime mover's crash plate
Implementation Method 3
The floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling bucket adapted to combine with a prime mover vehicle such as an excavator. The drilling bucket includes a floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket during operation. A release assembly is adapted to securely hold the floor in its closed position until it is actuated to release it to its open position. Some embodiments of the drilling bucket comprise two separate internal cavities. The first cavity is adapted to receive the spoils as the bucket is rotated beneath the ground by the prime mover vehicle. The second cavity is adapted to house portions of the release assembly. The second cavity may serve as a vent which allows air to pass the bucket as the bucket is being raised or lowered in a hole.