Edge Shroud Pry Boss for Earth-Mover Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge protection systems for earth-moving machines are inefficient in disassembly and wear part replacement, often requiring significant force and tools like sledge hammers, which can damage equipment and prolong downtime due to frictional forces from packed material.
Innovation Solution
The edge protection system incorporates a pry boss with transverse pry surfaces and notches, allowing for easy disassembly using a pry tool, and a disengagement system with angled surfaces to reduce frictional forces, facilitating the removal of edge shrouds from implements without damaging other parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional edge protection systems are used with conventional coupling methods, then the edge shroud can be securely attached to the implement, but significant force and tools like sledge hammers are required for disassembly, which can damage equipment and prolong downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: a coupling member with locking elements that secures the edge shroud during operation, and a pry boss with pry surfaces that enables controlled disassembly. This segmentation allows the same structure to provide both strong attachment and easy release by applying force to different parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pry boss acts as an intermediary element between the coupling member and the external pry tool. It provides a dedicated interface (pry surfaces) that mediates the application of disassembly force, distributing it appropriately to release the locking elements without transmitting damaging forces to the edge shroud or implement.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling methods are used, then the edge shroud can be securely mounted, but frictional forces from packed material increase disassembly difficulty and time
Solution Approach 1:
The pry surfaces are extracted as a distinct functional feature from the coupling member, positioned on the pry boss to provide a dedicated leverage point. This extraction allows disassembly force to be applied at an optimal location that overcomes frictional forces from packed material without compromising the secure mounting during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pry surfaces are pre-positioned on the pry boss in a location that provides mechanical advantage before disassembly begins. This preliminary configuration of the coupling system prepares it for easy release by establishing optimal leverage points that reduce the effort needed to overcome friction and packed material resistance.
3Productivity
If sledge hammers are used for disassembly, then the edge shroud can be removed, but equipment damage occurs and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pry boss serves as a protective intermediary between the pry tool and the edge shroud/implement assembly. It provides a dedicated structure designed to receive and distribute prying forces, preventing the concentration of stress that would occur with direct sledge hammer impact on the edge shroud or implement, thereby eliminating equipment damage while maintaining disassembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pry boss is designed as a sacrificial or wear-component that can be replaced if damaged, allowing the use of aggressive disassembly methods directed at it rather than at expensive, long-life components like the edge shroud or implement. This enables fast disassembly without risking damage to critical equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An implement assembly (10) includes an implement (12) having a forward edge (24) and an edge protection system (20). The edge protection system (20) includes at least one edge shroud (100) having a lower leg (134) that includes a lower end (136) and a lower end inner surface (138), an upper leg ( 110), and a wedge portion (126), the upper leg (110) including an upper end portion (112) and a connecting portion (118). The upper end portion (112) has an upper end inner portion (116) that may be angled to the lower end inner surface (138) and/or a horizontal plane (32) extending between the upper leg (110) and the lower leg (134). The system (20) also includes a boss assembly (34) stmctured to couple the edge shroud (100) to the implement (12), and including a pry boss (36). The angle (152) of the upper end inner surface (116) may be such that a clearance (212) is formed between the upper end inner surface (116) and the pry boss (36) when moving the edge shroud (100) forward in a disengaging direction (202) relative to the implement (12). The clearance (212) reduces factional force (206) opposing movement of the edge shroud (100) in the disengaging direction (202). The pry boss (36) may also include at least one pry notch (58) having a pry surface (60), the pry notch (58) being staictured to receive a free end of a pry tool (308) for prying the pry boss (36) out of the assembly (10) in a pry off direction (304).