Motor Grader Circle Assembly With Double-Shear Pin Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single shear pin joints in motor grader implements exhibit limited durability and load-bearing capacity, leading to component failure and increased servicing costs.

Innovation Solution

A double shear pin joint design is implemented in the circle assembly, comprising a first bracket with spaced arms and a second bracket removably coupled via a fastener, enhancing durability and load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single shear pin joint is used to couple the implement bracket to the side arm, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability and load-bearing capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is segmented into multiple components: a first bracket fixed to the side arm, a second bracket fixed to the implement, and a fastener (pin) that couples them together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacture and assembly while distributing the load more effectively through the multi-component structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single shear pin joint is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load-bearing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is positioned such that it engages with both the first bracket and the second bracket in a configuration that creates a multi-dimensional load distribution system. The fastener extends through both brackets, creating a three-dimensional load-bearing structure that increases strength without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a single shear pin joint is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly design incorporates the fastener positioned between the first and second brackets, creating a pre-engineered load distribution system that cushions against excessive shear forces. This beforehand cushioning through proper structural design extends the durability of the joint while maintaining ease of operation through the standardized fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250347083A1Circle assembly for implement
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US20250347083A1 patent drawing
  • US20250347083A1 patent drawing
  • US20250347083A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A circle assembly for an implement of a motor grader includes a circle and one or more mounting assemblies adapted to couple the circle with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies includes a first bracket coupled to the circle. The first bracket includes a first arm, a second arm axially spaced apart from the first arm, and a third arm connecting the first arm with the second arm. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies also includes a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket is adapted to be coupled with the implement. Each of the one or more mounting assemblies further includes a fastener that removably couples the first bracket with the second bracket via the first arm and the second arm.