End Plate Interlock for Crusher Housing Cutter Drum Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The depth of cut in typical crusher machines is limited by the downward extension of the housing end plates, which need to be substantial to provide strength, thereby restricting the maximum cutting depth of the cutter drum.
Innovation Solution
The end plates of the crusher machine housing feature aligned axial female openings and matching male plate portions with interlocking hook portions, allowing for a reduced height while maintaining strength, and a ⅛ inch gap for misalignment, ensuring the cutter drum teeth are not limited in cutting depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the end plates are made substantial in height to provide strength, then the strength of the housing is improved, but the cutting depth of the cutter drum is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is divided into two functional parts: a substantial thickness (approximately 2 inches) to provide strength and support, and a reduced height for the male plate portion that does not extend below the cutter drum axis. This segmentation allows the end plate to provide necessary structural strength while maximizing cutting depth capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from considering only the height dimension of the end plate to optimizing both thickness and height dimensions independently. The substantial thickness provides strength in the radial dimension, while the reduced height in the axial dimension allows maximum cutting depth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the male plate portion is cut out of the end plate with a gap, then misalignment is allowed, but manufacturing precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies a particular gap dimension (approximately 1/8 inch) that provides optimal balance between allowing misalignment and maintaining manufacturing precision. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate assembly variations while still achieving functional alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap is intentionally designed into the male plate portion before assembly to cushion against potential misalignment issues. This pre-built tolerance compensates for manufacturing and assembly variations, ensuring proper fit without requiring extreme precision.
3Strength
If the end plate thickness is increased to approximately 2 inches, then strength is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate structure is segmented into the main housing body and the separate male plate portion that is cut out and interlocked. This segmentation allows the use of substantial thickness (approximately 2 inches) where needed for strength while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The male plate portion is integrated into the end plate through an interlocking hook portion design that combines structural support and attachment functions in a single integrated feature, reducing the need for additional fasteners or complex assembly mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A ground breaking machine has a housing and the housing has oppositely disposed end plates which have aligned axial female openings and matching male plate portions positioned in the female openings. The female opening is defined by a side edge having top and oppositely disposed vertical spaced apart side edge portions. Each of the vertical side edge portions terminate in a laterally inwardly extending portion having an upperwardly extending hook portion engageable with a downwardly extending hook portion on the male plate portion for interlocking the female and male hook portions to prevent separation thereof and separation of the male plate portion in the female opening.The method of assembly and mounting the cutter drum in the housing includes the steps of providing a housing having oppositely disposed end plates including aligned axial openings and matching male plate portions for being positioned in the female openings. The cutter drum has a gear drive mounted in an end of the cutter drum and is provided with a hydraulic motor on one of the male plate portions. The cutter drum is positioned under the housing and the male plate portion having the hydraulic motor is positioned in the female opening in an end plate. The hydraulic motor on the male plate portion is connected to the gear drive in the end of the cutter drum.