Modular Edge Wear Protector for Earth-Moving Bucket Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wear protector systems for earth-moving equipment buckets are prone to premature failure due to structural mounting issues, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs, and fail to accommodate varying bucket edge profiles efficiently, resulting in higher weight and digging resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge wear protector system comprising interchangeable side and end members with plug weld connections and layered materials for enhanced durability and adaptability to different bucket shapes, reducing weight and friction while ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the wear protector is made larger to increase lifespan, then the lifespan is extended, but the weight increases and digging resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wear protector is divided into multiple segments (front wall, side walls, rear wall) that can be attached separately to the bucket. This segmentation allows the wear protector to cover only the necessary areas exposed to abrasion and impact, reducing unnecessary material and weight while maintaining lifespan through targeted protection of high-wear zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wear protector are designed with varying material properties and thicknesses based on local wear conditions. Areas subject to higher impact and abrasion receive enhanced protection, while less critical areas use lighter construction, optimizing the balance between lifespan and weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wear protector profile is increased to provide more material, then the lifespan is extended, but the digging resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wear protector is segmented into functional zones (front wall for impact, side walls for abrasion, rear wall for structural support) that extend protection to areas previously uncovered by conventional single-piece designs. This segmentation provides necessary material thickness for lifespan without increasing the overall profile height, thus maintaining low digging resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing profile height (vertical dimension) to add material, the invention extends protection laterally along the bucket edges and corners using side walls and rear walls. This dimensional shift provides additional wear-resistant material in critical areas without increasing the digging profile height.
3Device complexity
If a single type of wear protector is used for all bucket profiles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different bucket shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wear protector is divided into standardized segments (front wall, side walls, rear wall) with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the same basic component types to be assembled in different configurations to accommodate various bucket profiles, reducing the need for completely different wear protector designs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with standardized connections creates a universal wear protector system where the same components can serve multiple bucket types and profiles. The modular architecture enables one set of component types to adapt to various applications through different assembly configurations.
4Reliability
If the wear protector is secured tightly to prevent premature detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of removal and replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wear protector is segmented into modular sections connected by removable fasteners, allowing each segment to be independently secured with reliable connections while enabling easy removal of individual segments for maintenance or replacement without requiring complete detachment of the entire wear protector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from fixed permanent attachments to dynamic removable fasteners that provide secure holding during operation but allow quick release when needed. This dynamic connection method balances attachment security with ease of removal and replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge wear protector system adapted to be attached to a plate of a bucket is provided. Edge wear protector system includes a first side member having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the first side member adapted to be attached to one side of the plate, a second side member having a near end and a far end opposite the near end, the second side member adapted to be attached to another side of the plate, the another side of the plate being opposite the one side of the plate, an end member adapted to be attached to an edge of the plate, the edge of the plate extends from the one side to the another side of the plate, such that the first side member is attachable to the end member via its proximal end and the second side member is attachable to the end member via the near end.