Friction-Reducing Coated Lock for Ground Engaging Tool Retainer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer systems for ground engaging tools on earth-working machines face issues with friction and wear, leading to increased maintenance and reduced tool lifespan due to work material accumulation and adverse effects on the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system featuring a lock with a C-shaped portion and a retainer bushing, both coated with friction-reducing materials, which allows for secure attachment and detachment of ground engaging tools by rotating to engage and disengage detent projections, reducing friction and facilitating easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retainer systems are used to attach ground engaging tools, then the tools can be securely attached to earth-working machines, but friction and wear increase leading to reduced tool lifespan and increased maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by coating the lock and retainer bushing with friction-reducing materials, fundamentally altering the surface properties of the locking mechanism. This reduces the coefficient of friction between contacting surfaces, allowing for smoother operation and reduced wear during attachment and detachment cycles, thereby extending tool lifespan while maintaining secure attachment
2Strength
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then ground engaging tools can be firmly secured, but work material accumulates on the locking mechanism causing adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of work material accumulation into a beneficial outcome by using friction-reducing coatings that prevent material adhesion. The low-friction surfaces cause work material to slide off rather than accumulate, transforming the potential harm of material contact into a self-cleaning effect that maintains locking strength without adverse buildup
3Ease of operation
If conventional retainer systems are used, then ground engaging tools can be attached and detached, but the operation requires excessive force due to high friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of surface friction through special coatings on the lock and retainer bushing. This parameter change dramatically reduces the torque force needed to rotate the lock during attachment and detachment operations, making the system easier to operate while maintaining secure locking when engaged
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 secure and reliable attachment/detachment of ground engaging tools, reduces friction, and prolongs the lifespan of tools by minimizing wear and maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the head portion and the C-shaped portion may include a surface coated with a friction-reducing material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may define a lock slot for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may also include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing. At least a portion of the head portion and the C-shaped portion may include a surface coated with a friction-reducing material.