Ground Engaging Tool Attachment Assembly for Faster Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground engaging tools (GETs) on earthmoving equipment wear out quickly due to abrasive environments and high impact forces, requiring frequent replacement, which is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly with a first and second body and an operable element that allows for easy attachment and detachment of GETs by moving one body relative to the other, using a threaded engagement and rotational mechanism to apply or release forces for securing and removing the GETs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used for ground engaging tools, then the tools can be securely attached to withstand high impact forces and abrasive environments, but the replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into separate components including a first body attached to the excavator bucket, a second body attached to the GET, and an operable element that connects them. This segmentation allows the GET to be quickly detached and replaced by simply operating the element to separate the bodies, rather than using complex traditional attachment methods that require multiple steps and tools.
2Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used for ground engaging tools, then the tools can be securely attached, but the replacement process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly incorporates a movable operable element that can be operated to dynamically change the state of attachment between secured and released. This dynamic mechanism replaces static complex attachment systems with moving parts that simplify the attachment and detachment process, reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure attachment during use.
3Ease of operation
If the operable element moves one body away from the other to apply holding force, then the GET is securely held, but the mechanism requires threaded engagement and rotational operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical fastening systems with a simplified operable element that uses threaded engagement. While threaded engagement is a mechanical system, it is a well-understood and relatively simple mechanism compared to alternative complex mechanical fastening systems. The rotational operation of the operable element provides intuitive ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment through the threading mechanism.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient replacement of GETs by simplifying the attachment process, reducing wear on components, and providing easy access for removal, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
using a threaded engagement and rotational mechanism to apply or release forces for securing and removing the GETs
Implementation Method 2
using a threaded engagement and rotational mechanism to apply or release forces for securing and removing the GETs
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assembly (25) and a ground engaging assembly for releasable attachment with earthmoving equipment is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the attachment assembly (25) comprises a first body (30) configured for being placed in affirmative engagement with a portion (32) of or in fixed relation with respect to an edge of or associated with the earthmoving equipment. The attachment assembly (25) comprises a second body (35) configured for being placed in affirmative engagement with a portion of the ground engaging tool (GET, 15C or 15). An operable element (40) is arranged so as to operably associate the first (30) and second (35) bodies so as to be responsive to operation of the operable element (40) in a first mode (mode I), in which one of the bodies (30, 35) is moved or driven away from the alternate body on the GET being received with respect to said edge, the separation of the bodies operating to apply a force to said portion of the GET for holding the GET (15C) with respect to said edge, and, a second mode of operation (mode II), in which one of the bodies is driven/moved toward the alternate body for removal of the GET (15C). Embodiments of a ground engaging assembly are also disclosed.