Electroactive Polymer Locking System for Earth Moving Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth moving machinery's ground engaging tools face significant wear and damage due to exposure of locking mechanisms, making them prone to damage and requiring costly replacement.
Innovation Solution
A power locking device with an electroactive polymer and sliding lock member, concealed within the machinery components, is activated remotely using wireless technology to securely attach and detach teeth and adaptors without external manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hammering or threaded mechanisms are used to secure teeth, then the locking mechanism is accessible for operation, but the locking mechanism is exposed to environmental damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested entirely within the tooth and adaptor components. The actuator, locking member, and all operational components are housed inside the tooth body and adaptor interior, with no external exposure. The tooth fits over the adaptor with the locking mechanism concealed within, eliminating external access points while maintaining functional capability through wireless or electrical activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (hammering, wrench operation) with an electrically or electronically activated system. An actuator driven by an electric motor or electronic controller operates the locking mechanism remotely, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and reducing mechanical wear from repeated manual operations.
2Ease of operation
If threaded mechanisms are used for locking, then the locking can be operated by hand or wrench, but the mechanism becomes damaged due to extreme abrasion and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual threaded mechanisms with an electrically or electronically activated locking system. An actuator driven by an electric motor or electronic controller operates the locking member, eliminating the need for manual threading operations that subject the mechanism to extreme abrasion and forces. The electrical/electronic actuation reduces mechanical stress on the locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically through electrical or electronic actuation without requiring external manual intervention. The system activates the actuator through wireless signals or electrical connections, allowing the locking and unlocking operations to occur without human contact with the mechanism, thereby preventing damage from manual operation in harsh environments.
3Ease of repair
If locking mechanisms are exposed on the exterior, then they can be accessed for tooth replacement, but they require cleaning and are prone to damage from harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested entirely within the tooth and adaptor components. The actuator, locking member, and all operational components are housed inside the tooth body and adaptor interior, with no external exposure. The tooth fits over the adaptor with the locking mechanism concealed within, eliminating external access points while maintaining functional capability through wireless or electrical activation.
4Device complexity
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the service life is reduced due to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual threaded mechanisms with an electrically or electronically activated locking system. An actuator driven by an electric motor or electronic controller operates the locking member, eliminating the need for manual threading operations that subject the mechanism to extreme abrasion and forces. The electrical/electronic actuation reduces mechanical stress on the locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically through electrical or electronic actuation without requiring external manual intervention. The system activates the actuator through wireless signals or electrical connections, allowing the locking and unlocking operations to occur without human contact with the mechanism, thereby preventing damage from manual operation in harsh environments.
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 extends the service life of locking mechanisms, reduces wear, and facilitates quicker maintenance by protecting the locking system from environmental damage and eliminating the need for manual hammering or threaded mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a body (502, 502') defining a longitudinal axis (504, 504'), a first axial end (506, 506'), and a second axial end (508, 508'). A blind bore (510, 510') may extend from the first axial end (506, 506') to the second axial end (508, 508'). An electroactive polymer (514, 514') may be disposed in the blind bore (510, 510').
Data Source
AI summary
A power locking device has a body including a blind bore with an electroactive polymer disposed in the blind bore, and a sliding lock member that is disposed in the blind bore and that contacts the electroactive polymer. A current source is in electrical communication with the electroactive polymer.