Excavator Wear Tooth Lock Assembly with Key-Operated Segmented Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for securing wear teeth to excavators are laborious and costly due to the need for welding, and while previous locking arrangements have improved this, they still require specialized tools and have limitations in ease of use and durability.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a main body, protruding member, and operating mechanism that allows for secure attachment and easy release of wear teeth to the excavator nose using a key-operated mechanism, incorporating a biasing means like rubber for secure engagement and dirt prevention, allowing for tool-free installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional welding is used to secure wear teeth to the excavator nose, then the attachment is strong and durable, but the process is laborious, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into separate components: a lock body, a protruding member, and a key mechanism. This segmentation allows the wear tooth to be quickly released by removing the key, eliminating the need for time-consuming welding processes while maintaining secure attachment during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static welded connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. The protruding member can be inserted to lock the wear tooth in place and removed by operating the key, enabling rapid replacement without losing time on permanent welding operations
2Loss of time
If previous locking arrangements are used, then replacement time is reduced, but specialized tools are still required and ease of use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key-operated mechanism allows the operator to easily insert and remove the protruding member without requiring specialized tools. The key itself serves as both the operating tool and the releasing mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining rapid replacement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The key mechanism extracts the complexity of the locking operation into a simple removable component. By taking out the protruding member through the keyhole using only the key, the system eliminates the need for complex specialized tools while maintaining fast replacement times
3Reliability
If the protruding member is designed to protrude from the lock body, then secure engagement is achieved, but dirt ingress and corrosion become concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber biasing means acts as a flexible element that maintains constant engagement pressure between the protruding member and the wear tooth. This continuous pressure ensures secure engagement while the rubber material itself can accommodate minor misalignments and prevent dirt ingress through its compliant nature
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber biasing means provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining constant engagement pressure before any loosening can occur. This pre-applied force ensures the protruding member remains firmly engaged throughout operation, preventing dirt ingress and maintaining reliability without requiring additional protective features
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 lock assembly provides a quick, cost-effective, and tool-free method for securing and releasing wear teeth, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal without specialized tools, while minimizing corrosion and dirt ingress.
Implementation Method 1
The lock assembly may also include a biasing means, such as rubber, biased to apply a force to the protruding member
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock assembly (1) including a main body (4) and a protruding member (5). The protruding member (5) is biased to normally protrude outwardly of the main body (4) by a biasing component (6), which is formed of rubber or like material. An operating mechanism, operated by a key (9) effects movement of the protruding member (5) between a protruded or locked position, and, a withdrawn or unlocked position.