Foldable Blade Cutting Edge Design for Transport Width Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable blades for work machines face challenges in maintaining operating efficiency during transportation and operation due to limitations in blade width and cutting edge adaptability, which affects their ability to dig effectively and handle materials efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A cutting edge design comprising a central member with apexed terminals and flanking members that are rectilinearly alignable to form a continuous cutting verge, allowing for efficient contact with the ground and adaptation during folding for transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the blade width is reduced to comply with transportation restrictions, then the blade can be transported without exceeding width limits, but the operating capacity and efficiency of the work machine decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade widthVSAvoidoperating capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is designed with foldable sections that allow it to dynamically change its width - folding inward during transportation to comply with width restrictions, and unfolding outward during operation to maximize operating capacity. This dynamic transformation enables the blade to adapt to different operational and transportation requirements without permanent compromise to either aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blade is divided into multiple segmentable sections that can be independently folded or unfolded. This segmentation allows the blade to be broken down into manageable portions that can be reconfigured - folded for compact transportation and unfolded for full operational width, thus resolving the contradiction between transportation constraints and operating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the cutting edge structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the digging efficiency and operating effectiveness of the blade deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting edge manufacturingVSAvoiddigging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured with simpler, more cost-effective methods while the assembled configuration maintains the complex geometry needed for effective digging and material handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cutting edge segments are merged together to form the complete cutting edge structure. Each individual segment can be manufactured simply, but when combined, they create the complex multi-faceted geometry required for optimal digging performance, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2789751B1Cutting edge for a foldable blade of a work machine
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 CATERPILLAR FRANCE
  • EP2789751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2789751B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2789751B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

A cutting edge for a foldable blade of a work machine is disclosed. The cutting edge may comprise of three member components that may be rectilinearly aligned to form a continuous cutting side for contacting work material. The cutting edge may comprise a central member having at least one central cutting side; a first flanking member having a first cutting side and a second flanking member having a second cutting side. The first and second flanking members and the central member are rectilinearly alignable such that the first and second cutting sides and the central cutting side form a continuous cutting verge.