Elastomeric Seal Between Lip and Cavity Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket assemblies face challenges in effectively grabbing and holding dry or wet particulate matter without spillage or leakage, and in maintaining the longevity of connecting plates.
Innovation Solution
A particulate-handling bucket assembly with extended lip and cavity sections made of metal or ceramic, featuring elastomeric material secured within the cavity, which forms a seal when the scoops are closed, minimizing leakage and extending the assembly's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional connecting plates are used in bucket assemblies, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connecting plates wear quickly and have short service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal or ceramic extended lip sections with elastomeric material in the cavity sections. This composite structure provides both the structural strength needed for connecting plates and the sealing properties to prevent particulate matter leakage, thereby extending service life without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing extended lip sections at specific locations where sealing is most critical. These localized extensions with complementary metal/ceramic and elastomeric materials provide enhanced sealing and wear resistance exactly where needed, rather than reinforcing the entire structure
2Reliability
If standard bucket assemblies are used, then the structure is straightforward, but particulate matter leaks through the edges of connecting plates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material acts as an intermediary sealing element between the metal or ceramic lip sections and the cavity sections. This intermediary material fills gaps and conforms to surfaces, creating an effective seal that prevents particulate matter leakage while accommodating dimensional variations
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid metal or ceramic lip sections with flexible elastomeric material creates a composite sealing system. The rigid portions provide structural integrity and the flexible elastomeric portions provide sealing, working together to prevent particulate matter escape
3Loss of substance
If extended lip and cavity sections with elastomeric material are added, then sealing performance improves and spillage is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bucket assembly into distinct components: extended lip sections, cavity sections, and elastomeric material. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving superior sealing
Solution Approach 2:
By concentrating the complex sealing structure only at the critical lip and cavity sections rather than throughout the entire bucket assembly, the patent minimizes manufacturing complexity. The majority of the structure can use simpler, standard manufacturing processes
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 bucket assembly achieves a sound seal to retain particulate matter, reducing spillage and extending the life of the connecting plates by using complementary materials that provide excellent contact and sealing properties.
Implementation Method 1
The exposed edge of the elastomeric material is configured for abutting against the abutting end of the corresponding extended lip section
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a particulate-handling bucket assembly that provides a sound seal between an extended lip section and an extended cavity section located on opposing scoops of the bucket assembly. The seal is formed by abutting elastomeric material located within a cavity of the extended cavity section against an abutting end of the extended lip section. The elastomeric material has an exposed edge which butts against the abutting end of the extended lip section, with the exposed edge having an exposed height that is greater than or equal to an abutting height of the abutting end of the extended lip section.