Motor Grader Bit Retention Lock for Square-Driver Attachment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retention systems for attaching work tools or wear members to motor graders and similar equipment do not allow the use of a square driver and require excessive material, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A retention system that includes a lock and retainer assembly with a shank receiving aperture and lock receiving aperture, allowing rotation of the lock by 80-100 degrees, enabling secure attachment using a square driver and minimizing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pin retention system is used to attach work tools to the adaptor board, then the work tool can be held securely, but the system does not allow the use of a square driver and requires excessive material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the retention mechanism from a pin-based system to a lock-based system that rotates 80-100 degrees. This parameter change in the retention mechanism's operation mode allows compatibility with square drivers and reduces material requirements for the adaptor board while maintaining secure attachment of work tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a pin retention system is used to attach work tools to the adaptor board, then the work tool can be held securely, but the bottom portion of the adaptor board needs to be wider than desirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidadaptor board width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the retention mechanism from a pin-based system to a lock-based system that rotates 80-100 degrees. This parameter change in the retention mechanism's operation mode allows compatibility with square drivers and reduces material requirements for the adaptor board while maintaining secure attachment of work tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the adaptor board is designed to accommodate a pin retention system, then the pin can fit through the shank, but the bottom portion requires more material and space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin insertionVSAvoidmaterial required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the retention mechanism from a pin-based system to a lock-based system that rotates 80-100 degrees. This parameter change in the retention mechanism's operation mode allows compatibility with square drivers and reduces material requirements for the adaptor board while maintaining secure attachment of work tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11781293B2Retention system for motor grader bits

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A work tool or a wear member includes a working portion or a wear portion, and a shank extending from the working portion or the wear portion, defining a longitudinal axis, and a first lock receiving groove that defines an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank.