Expandable Shim Assembly for Precise Excavator Bucket Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching and adjusting excavator buckets are cumbersome, time-consuming, and inadequate regarding precision and stability, leading to premature wear and operational inefficiencies due to loose fittings.
Innovation Solution
An expandable shim system comprising two plates with opposing wedges that can be rotated to adjust the lateral distance between them, secured by fasteners, allowing for precise fitting and shimming of excavator buckets and thumbs without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional shimming methods are used, then the bucket can be attached to the excavator arm, but the process is time-consuming and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The shim pack is pre-assembled with multiple shims of different thicknesses before field installation. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to quickly select and install the appropriate shim thickness without time-consuming on-site assembly or disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shimming system is divided into modular components including individual shims of varying thicknesses, a shim pack holder, and installation tools. This segmentation allows selective assembly and quick replacement of only the necessary components during field operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional shimming methods are used, then gaps can be filled, but precision and stability are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple shims with different thickness parameters to precisely match various gap sizes. By selecting the appropriate shim thickness from the pre-assembled pack, operators can achieve precise fitting that eliminates gaps and prevents bucket wobble, thereby improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shim pack holder is designed to accommodate and facilitate quick replacement of different shim thicknesses. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying gap conditions while maintaining stable and precise connections through proper shim selection and installation.
3Reliability
If the bucket becomes loose through wear, then operational wear increases, but shimming requires disassembly and heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The shim pack is designed to be self-contained and portable, allowing operators to perform shimming operations independently in the field without requiring disassembly of the bucket or access to heavy lifting equipment. The complete shimming system fits within the shim pack holder, enabling self-service maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shimming procedure is segmented into simple, discrete steps using pre-prepared shim packs. Each pack contains organized shims and installation tools, breaking down the complex shimming process into manageable tasks that can be performed with minimal equipment and expertise.
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 system provides an efficient, secure, and adjustable method for shimming excavator components, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by simplifying the shimming process and reducing wear, while allowing on-site adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first plate defining an opening for receiving the shaft and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface having a plurality of equally spaced wedges extending therefrom, a second plate defining an opening for receiving the shaft and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface having a plurality of equally spaced wedges extending therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
This document discloses an adjustable shim system. The adjustable shim system a first member defining an opening for receiving a shaft The first member can have a first side defining an outside surface and a second side generally opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side. The adjustable shim system can further include a second member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side generally opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side. The adjustable shim system can further include a fastener engaged with the first member and the second member, the fastener being configured to selectively fix the outside surface of the first member relative to the outside surface of the second member.