Hydraulic Cylinder Scraper Assembly for Debris-Prone Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic cylinder assemblies in work machines are prone to debris ingestion, particularly in environments like landfills, leading to increased maintenance costs and machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A scraper assembly is removably installed onto the hydraulic cylinder, comprising a ring, a collar, and a plate that circumscribe the rod and cylinder, preventing debris from entering the cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic cylinders are used in debris-prone environments like landfills, then the machine can operate in these environments, but debris is sucked into the cylinders leading to increased maintenance costs and machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
A scraper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic cylinder and the debris-filled environment. The scraper assembly includes a scraper element that contacts the rod and a collar that contacts the cylinder, creating a protective barrier that prevents debris from entering the hydraulic cylinder while allowing the machine to operate in landfills and other debris-prone environments
2Reliability
If a scraper assembly is installed to prevent debris ingestion, then maintenance costs and machine downtime are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper assembly is divided into separate segments including a collar, scraper element, and fastening components that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the protective function to be added without permanently modifying the hydraulic cylinder, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper assembly is designed to be removable and installable, transforming from a static hydraulic cylinder design to a dynamic system where protection can be engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity during non-debris operations while providing protection when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic cylinder may include a cylinder, a rod slidingly disposed in the cylinder, and a scraper assembly. The cylinder extends between a first end and a second end and includes a retention feature positioned adjacent to the first end. The scraper assembly circumscribes the rod and the cylinder. The scraper assembly includes a ring, a collar and a plate. The ring includes an outer surface and a radially spaced inner surface. The inner surface contacts a portion of the rod. The collar includes a first portion adjacent to a first surface contacting the outer surface of the ring and a second portion adjacent to a second surface contacting the retention feature of the cylinder. The plate contacts the first surface of the collar. The collar and the plate cooperate to radially compress the first semi-circular ring and the second semi-circular ring against the rod.