Liner Plate Structure to Shield Work Machine Guard Welds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris accumulation at the weld joint between the guard member and the frame of work machines, such as landfill compactors, leads to potential weld joint failure, increasing machine downtime and servicing costs due to oscillations during compaction operations.
Innovation Solution
A liner plate is coupled to the frame and guard member of the work machine, defining upper and lower surfaces and side surfaces that prevent debris from entering the volume between the guard member and the frame, thereby protecting the weld joint and reducing debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guard member is welded to the frame to protect the axle assembly, then protection against debris is improved, but debris accumulates at the weld joint causing potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
A liner plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the guard member and the frame. The liner plate is coupled to both the guard member and the frame, serving as a mediator that prevents direct contact between debris and the weld joint. The liner plate captures and contains debris in the volume between itself and the axle opening, protecting the critical weld joint from debris accumulation and potential failure.
2Ease of operation
If the guard member is positioned to deflect debris away from the axle, then debris deflection is improved, but debris accumulates between the guard member and the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The liner plate extracts and removes debris from the problematic area between the guard member and the frame. By coupling the liner plate to both components, it creates a contained volume that captures debris before it can accumulate at the weld joint. The liner plate effectively takes out the harmful debris accumulation problem from the critical area.
3Strength
If welding is used to attach the guard member to the frame, then structural strength is improved, but the weld joint is vulnerable to debris-induced fatigue and overload
Solution Approach 1:
The liner plate serves as a protective intermediary that shields the weld joint from debris exposure. By positioning the liner plate between the debris flow and the weld joint, it prevents debris from causing fatigue and overload on the weld. This allows the weld joint to maintain its structural strength without being vulnerable to debris-induced failure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the guard member projects outward to intercept debris, then debris interception is improved, but the guard member and frame define a volume that traps debris
Solution Approach 1:
The liner plate adds a new dimensional element to the guard member assembly. By introducing the liner plate that couples to both the guard member and the frame, it transforms the open volume between these components into a controlled, contained space. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain effective debris interception while managing the trapped volume through the liner plate's presence.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner plate for a work machine has a frame with a frame surface and an axle opening, and a guard member at least partially disposed above the axle opening. The guard member has a lower face, a region of the frame surface and a region of the lower face define a volume. The liner plate includes a body portion defining an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The body portion defines a first side surface and a second side surface. The body portion is adapted to be coupled to the frame surface proximate the first side surface. The body portion is adapted to be coupled to the guard member proximate the second side surface. Further, upon coupling of the body portion to the frame surface and the guard member, the body portion prevents at least some debris from entering the volume.