Locking Pin Coupling for Wear Assembly Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation wear assemblies require the replacement of entire wear members when only parts are worn or broken, leading to inefficiencies and waste, as current locking systems do not effectively secure wear members to support structures without causing jamming during torque and axial movement.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with interfitting coupling elements and a transforming mechanism, allowing torque transfer and axial movement while reducing contact pressure, comprising a locking pin with interconnected pin portions and a housing with a cam and follower mechanism, enabling secure attachment and detachment of wear members to support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin is used to secure the wear member to the support structure, then the wear member is retained in place, but the locking pin may jam during torque transfer and axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is divided into two separate portions: a first locking pin portion that engages with the wear member and a second locking pin portion that engages with the support structure. These portions are connected through a coupling mechanism that allows relative movement. This segmentation prevents jamming by enabling independent movement of each portion while maintaining the locking function, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and smooth operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second locking pin portions. This coupling includes complementary coupling elements that allow torque to be transferred from one portion to the other while also permitting axial movement in the direction of the pin axis. The intermediary coupling mechanism facilitates both torque transfer and axial movement without causing jamming, while still maintaining the locking function.
2Ease of repair
If the entire wear member is replaced when only parts are worn, then the broken parts are replaced, but the entire wear member and support structure are discarded causing waste and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wear assembly is segmented into distinct replaceable components: the wear member, the support structure, and the locking pin portions. This segmentation allows only the worn wear member to be replaced while retaining the support structure and locking pin portions that are still functional. The modular design enables selective replacement of individual components, reducing material waste and improving repair efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the worn wear member while recovering and reusing the support structure and locking pin portions. The coupling mechanism between the locking pin portions allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, facilitating the recovery of functional components. This approach minimizes material loss and reduces the need to discard entire assemblies when only partial replacement is needed.
3Power
If complementary coupling elements are used to interfit pin portions, then torque can be transferred and axial movement is allowed, but contact pressure increases during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism allows movement in multiple dimensions: torque transfer occurs through rotational movement of the pin portions, while axial movement is permitted in the direction of the pin axis. By enabling movement in both rotational and axial dimensions, the coupling elements can distribute forces more effectively, reducing peak contact pressure while maintaining torque transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the locking pin portions is designed to be dynamic, allowing relative axial movement during operation. This dynamic capability enables the coupling elements to adapt to varying load conditions, distributing contact pressures more evenly across the coupling interface. The ability to move axially under load prevents stress concentration and reduces the risk of jamming, while still maintaining effective torque transfer.
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 locking assembly securely attaches and detaches wear members from support structures without jamming, reducing wear and tear, and allowing for the replacement of only worn parts, thereby extending the life of excavation equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a transforming mechanism that causes relative axial movement of the pin portions on rotation of at least one of the pin portions
Implementation Method 2
the pin portions being interconnected through a coupling to allow torque to be transferred from at least one of the first or second pin portions to the other of the first or second pin portions
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly is disclosed for securing a wear member to a support structure. The locking assembly includes a locking pin having a pin capable of securing the wear member to the support structure. The pin is disclosed as including pin portions that are interconnected through a coupling to allow torque to be transferred from at least one pin portion to the other pin portion and allow axial movement of one of the pin portions relative to the other pin portion in the direction of the pin axis. Also disclosed is a locking assembly to retain a pin in a predetermined position.