Excavator Thumb Structural Support via Segmented Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Excavator thumbs face structural support challenges under irregular loads, particularly with uneven weight distributions and concentrated stresses, which existing solutions like U.S. Pat. No. 7,818,901 do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The thumb design incorporates a thumb support structure with first and second support plates extending widthwise between side plates, a concave and convex configuration, and a third support plate between these, providing additional structural support closer to the engagement end to distribute and resist forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a simple thumb structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and structural support under irregular loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb structure is divided into multiple discrete support plates (first support plate, second support plate, third support plate) positioned at different locations. Each plate segment provides localized structural reinforcement, allowing the complex support system to be built from simpler individual components rather than requiring a single complex structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
Support plates are strategically positioned at specific locations where stresses are most concentrated - the first support plate near the engagement end, the second support plate at an intermediate position, and the third support plate connecting to the belly plate. This local reinforcement approach provides maximum structural support where needed while minimizing unnecessary complexity in low-stress areas.
2Reliability
If material usage is reduced, then the weight decreases, but the reliability under concentrated stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly thickening the entire thumb structure to improve reliability, the invention applies localized reinforcement through discrete support plates only where stresses are concentrated. This ensures high reliability under concentrated loads while minimizing additional material usage and weight compared to a uniformly reinforced structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural reinforcement is achieved through multiple separate support plates rather than a single massive structural element. This segmentation allows the thumb to achieve high reliability through distributed reinforcement while using less total material than a solidly reinforced thumb would require.
3Strength
If structural support is increased, then the strength improves, but the material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention increases torsional stiffness by adding support plates only in specific high-stress regions rather than uniformly throughout the entire thumb structure. The first support plate near the engagement end and the second support plate at intermediate positions provide targeted reinforcement that maximizes torsional stiffness while minimizing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Torsional stiffness is enhanced through multiple discrete support plates positioned strategically along the thumb length, rather than using a single large structural element. This segmented approach to reinforcement achieves high torsional stiffness with less material than a uniformly thickened structure would require.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a thumb for an implement of a machine has first and second side plates each having a pivot end for pivotally connecting to a linkage of the machine and an engagement end for engaging with a load. The thumb also has a belly plate extending across a width of the thumb between the first and second side plates and extending along a length of the thumb from the pivot end toward the engagement end. Additionally, the thumb has a thumb support structure disposed closer to the engagement end than to the pivot end. The thumb support structure has a first support plate extending widthwise between the first and second side plates and a second support plate extending widthwise between the first and second side plates and further extending between the first support plate and the belly plate.