Excavator Bucket Integrated Access Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of excavation equipment buckets is hindered by the need for safety measures and equipment at elevated heights, increasing downtime and reducing productivity due to the size and harsh conditions of operation.
Innovation Solution
A user access structure with a framework releasably mounted to the bucket, featuring connectors and a platform with guard railing, allows safe and efficient access to the upper frame of the bucket without the need for additional fasteners, enabling maintenance while the bucket is on excavation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional safety measures and equipment (nacelle, ramps, gates, guard railing) are used for maintenance at elevated heights, then safety is improved, but device complexity and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access structure is merged with the bucket itself, forming an integrated system where the bucket's upper frame serves as the mounting base for the access structure. This eliminates the need for separate external safety equipment like nacelles and ramps, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety functionality through the integrated platform and guard railing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bucket's upper frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bucket operation and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the access platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated maintenance equipment, reducing downtime and complexity while enabling safe access for maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If traditional safety measures and equipment are used for maintenance at elevated heights, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the access structure with the bucket, the patent eliminates the time-consuming setup and teardown of external safety equipment. The integrated design allows maintenance personnel to access the bucket quickly using the built-in platform and ladder, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and improving productivity while maintaining safety through integrated guard railing.
Solution Approach 2:
The access structure is pre-integrated into the bucket design, with connectors and mounting points prepared in advance during bucket manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly of safety equipment, allowing maintenance personnel to immediately use the pre-configured access points, thereby reducing downtime and improving maintenance productivity.
3Strength
If fasteners are used to attach the access structure to the bucket, then connection strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate connector components mounted on the bucket and complementary connectors on the access structure. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized geometries for both strength and ease of assembly, while the modular design enables quick attachment and detachment without complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the bucket and access structure, providing a simplified interface that achieves strong connections through geometric interlocking and friction rather than traditional fasteners. This intermediary design maintains connection strength while dramatically simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly may have a bucket having a main body defining an inner cavity, at least one connector on an outer surface of the main body of the bucket. A user access structure has a framework releasably mounted to the bucket, and at least one complementary connector for engagement with the at least one connector on the bucket. A method for accessing an upper frame of a bucket is also provided.