Ground Engaging Tool Connection Assembly Reducing Bucket Lip Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connection methods for ground engaging tools (GET) to earth-moving equipment are prone to deformation under high forces, making removal and replacement complex, time-consuming, and costly, with previous solutions often failing due to stress concentrations and deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A connection means comprising a body, a force applying member, and a locking member that advances to engage and retract from the earthmoving equipment, using a force receiving member and stop means to securely attach and release the GET, with a resilient member to prevent counter-rotation and allow for easy removal, and a spacer to assist in releasing the GET from the bucket lip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bolts and similar fastening devices are inserted within the lip of the bucket to mechanically attach GET, then the complexity of cutting and re-welding operations is reduced, but stress concentrations within the lip occur resulting in cracking of the bucket lip
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is divided into separate functional components: a body portion that interfaces with the bucket lip, a locking member that engages with the GET, and a force applying member that secures the connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while distributing stresses across multiple elements rather than concentrating them at a single bolt insertion point in the lip.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means acts as an intermediary device between the bucket lip and the GET. Rather than directly fastening bolts into the lip (which causes stress concentrations), the connection means provides a mediating structure that distributes loads across a larger area of the lip while maintaining secure attachment of the GET.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bolts are used to mechanically connect GET to the bucket, then mechanical connection is achieved, but the large forces to which GET are exposed deform the connecting bolts making extraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to dynamically adjust and lock into position under load. The force applying member incorporates a mechanism that allows easy installation through simple insertion and locking, but makes extraction difficult without proper tools, thereby maintaining secure connection during operation while enabling controlled replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means is pre-configured with the locking member and force applying member in specific positions that facilitate easy initial installation. The locking member can be inserted and locked into place without requiring precise alignment or complex fastening operations, making the attachment process simple and quick.
3Reliability
If multiple individual components form the connection means, then reliable attachment is achieved, but fitting and refitting of the GET becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The body, locking member, and force applying member are combined into a single integrated connection means assembly that functions as one unit during installation and removal. This merging allows the entire attachment mechanism to be installed or removed in a single operation rather than requiring sequential assembly and disassembly of multiple separate components, significantly reducing the time required for GET replacement while maintaining the reliability benefits of the multi-component design.
4Ease of operation
If the connection means is released to remove the GET, then the GET can be removed, but dirt and deformation prevent ready removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with features that extract or remove the problematic effects of dirt and deformation. The resilient member compensates for misalignment and deformation, while the spaced relationship between components prevents dirt accumulation from interfering with the locking and unlocking mechanisms, ensuring reliable operation even in harsh conditions.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable attachment and detachment of GET, reducing deformation and stress concentrations, facilitating easier removal and replacement, and maintaining structural integrity under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member to prevent counter-rotation of the locking member relative to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for mounting a ground engaging tool to earthmoving equipment includes a body into which is received a resilient member, a force applying member, a locking member with an O-ring seal to be received in an annular channel around the locking member, a locking member stop received in a hole in the locking member, and a body stop to be fitted into an aperture under the body. The locking member stop prevents the force applying member from rotating within the body when the bolt is rotated and advances the piston by threaded engagement.