Ground Engaging Tool with Accumulator for Grading Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground engaging tools for earthmoving vehicles face challenges in efficiently grading loose surfaces and pushing through piles of earth, leading to reduced productivity, increased downtime, and excessive wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A ground engaging tool with a frame supporting angled sidewalls and a wear member featuring a first cutting edge and perpendicular outer cutting edges, along with an accumulator defined by the frame to collect excess material, enhancing stability and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ground engaging tools are used for grading operations, then the tool structure is simple, but the grading precision and surface finish quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a wear member with cutting edges for material removal, an accumulator structure with longitudinal and cross members for material storage, and a frame with sidewalls for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving grading precision while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines multiple functions into a single device: the wear member performs cutting and grading, the accumulator collects and stores excess material, and the cross members provide both structural support and additional ground engagement. This multi-functionality achieves high grading precision without requiring multiple separate tools, thereby avoiding excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional tools are used for pushing through piles of earth, then the tool structure is simple, but productivity is reduced due to frequent adjustments and tool damage
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator structure acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and stores excess material before it can cause damage to the tool or require adjustments. The longitudinal and cross members create a robust framework that preemptively handles material accumulation, preventing the frequent tool adjustments and damage that reduce productivity in conventional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs wear members made of materials with changed parameters (high hardness and wear resistance) to withstand the forces encountered when pushing through piles of earth. This material parameter change allows the tool to maintain structural integrity and functionality under heavy loads, significantly improving operational efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If material accumulates on the surface of the wear member or frame, then the tool has simple structure, but drag increases burdening the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator structure extracts the excess material from the working surface of the wear member and frame, storing it in designated accumulator portions. This extraction prevents material accumulation that would increase drag, while the accumulator itself is designed as a simple framework of longitudinal and cross members that adds minimal structural complexity.
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 tool effectively flattens surfaces, provides stability to prevent tilting, and reduces drag by allowing excess material to accumulate and settle, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing wear on the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulator portions allow the material being cut to be carried such that the material can settle in and fill any depressions in the ground
Implementation Method 2
the accumulator members are disposed at an angle relative to the base plane such that material being worked can slide off the accumulator members in use
Data Source
AI summary
A ground engaging tool for attachment to a vehicle having a frame defining a base plane for supporting a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly at an angle relative to the base plane, a wear member connected to the frame having a first cutting edge for working a surface, a pair of outer cutting edges orientated perpendicularly with respect to the base plane, and an accumulator defined by the frame having a plurality of accumulator portions, where each of the accumulator portions are positioned aft of the wear member and between the plurality of sidewalls.