Flex Pin Segmented Design for Earthmoving Tooth Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flex pins used in earthmoving vehicles tend to become unintentionally dislodged during operation, leading to instability in the tooth and shank assembly, which can result in reduced performance and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
The design of a flex pin comprising a first and second rigid member with a compressible member in between, featuring a locking recess and tapered tips for secure engagement with the tooth and shank, providing enhanced resistance against dislodgment through a combination of mechanical locking and compressive retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid flex pin design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flex pin becomes unintentionally dislodged during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flex pin is divided into multiple segments including a first rigid member, a compressible member, and a second rigid member. Each segment serves a specific function: the rigid members provide structural support and locking features, while the compressible member provides elastic retention. This segmentation allows the pin to combine simplicity with enhanced reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second rigid members. It provides elastic force to retain the rigid members in place while allowing for controlled movement and assembly. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by adding retention stability without requiring complete redesign of the entire pin structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a flex pin without locking features is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the tooth and shank assembly becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking recess is provided only on the first rigid member at the location where it interfaces with the tooth assembly. This localized feature provides stability where needed without adding complexity to the entire flex pin structure. The locking recess engages with corresponding features on the tooth and shank to prevent dislodgment while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
3Reliability
If a compressible member is added to the flex pin, then resistance against dislodgment increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flex pin combines different material properties by using rigid members (metal) and a compressible member (elastic material). This composite structure leverages the strength and stability of metal components while utilizing the elastic properties of the compressible member to provide retention force. The combination of materials achieves high dislodgment resistance without requiring overly complex design.
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 described flex pin design significantly increases the resistance against unintentional dislodgment, ensuring secure retention of the tooth and shank assembly during vehicle operation, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of earthmoving equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member disposed between the first rigid member and the second rigid member
Implementation Method 2
a locking recess extends laterally along the first elongated body between the first forward end and the first back end
Data Source
AI summary
A flex pin includes a compressible member disposed between first and second rigid members configured to be installed in a tooth and shank assembly. The first rigid member includes a locking recess defined by a front wall, a locking major surface, and a back gradation defining at least one step. At least one of the first or second rigid members includes a bonding recess configured to receive a portion of the compressible member.