Excavator Tooth Lock Assembly Resisting Rotational Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator tooth assemblies face issues with inadequate resistance to rotational moment forces, premature wear, and complex locking systems that rely heavily on threaded components, leading to increased downtime and fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly featuring a locking pin with a flange portion and a resilient locking ring that deforms to engage with the flange portion, preventing withdrawal of the locking pin, and a retaining assembly with a spacer and washer to securely fasten the tooth to the adaptor, eliminating the need for threaded components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a resilient locking ring is used to retain the locking pin, then the resistance to rotational moment forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be resilient and deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust during installation and operation. The ring deforms elastically to accommodate the locking pin and then maintains continuous contact pressure to resist rotational forces, providing adaptive strength without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring's physical state changes from a compressed deformation state during installation to a relaxed engagement state during operation. By utilizing elastic deformation as a controllable parameter, the system achieves strong retention force through material elasticity rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded components are eliminated in favor of a locking ring, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates threaded components from the locking mechanism, replacing them with a simple resilient locking ring. This removal of complex threaded elements simplifies manufacturing while the resilient nature of the ring provides reliable retention through continuous elastic contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its resilient nature provides sufficient reliability for the application, and if failure occurs, the ring can be quickly replaced without requiring specialized threading tools or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If the locking pin is prevented from withdrawal by the locking member, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates dynamically: during normal operation, the resilient ring maintains strong retention force to prevent withdrawal; during removal, external force causes the ring to deform elastically and release the locking pin. This dynamic behavior provides both secure retention and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking ring provides preliminary retention force that prevents accidental withdrawal during operation. However, when sufficient external force is applied, the ring's elasticity allows it to yield and release the pin, balancing security with operability.
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 provides enhanced resistance to rotational forces, reduces premature wear, and simplifies the locking mechanism, minimizing downtime and fabrication costs while protecting against dirt and fines ingress.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member of the retaining assembly is adapted to deform perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking pin as the locking pin is inserted longitudinally into the retaining assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A lock assembly to lock two members together, typically an excavator wear member, such as a tooth, on to an adaptor. The lock assembly has a locking pin with a flange portion and a retaining assembly that receives the locking pin. The retaining assembly includes a locking member, in the form of a locking ring, which deforms radially when a tapered portion of the locking pin is inserted into the retaining assembly. In the locked position, the locking ring engages with the flange portion of the locking pin to prevent withdrawal of the locking pin from the retaining assembly.