Modular Liner Panels for Hauling Machine Beds

Solution Overview

Problem

Current liner systems for material hauling machines are expensive and require significant effort for installation and uninstallation, as they often rely on mechanical fasteners or magnetic materials, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective design.

Innovation Solution

A liner system comprising a first panel fixedly mounted to the machine's bed, with a second panel removably attached using interlocking lip and protruding portions, and a locking panel with fastening means, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing replacement costs by only replacing worn panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical fasteners or magnetic materials are used to attach liners to the bed, then the liners can be securely fixed, but the installation and uninstallation require considerable effort and the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of linerVSAvoidinstallation and uninstallation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liner system is divided into multiple panels that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel is a separate module with standardized attachment features, allowing selective replacement without removing the entire liner system. This segmentation enables easier handling and installation while maintaining secure fixation through standardized inter-panel and panel-to-bed connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complete liner replacement is done when wear occurs, then the bed is fully protected, but the cost and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed protectionVSAvoidreplacement cost and effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The liner system is divided into multiple panels that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel is a separate module with standardized attachment features, allowing selective replacement without removing the entire liner system. This segmentation enables easier handling and installation while maintaining secure fixation through standardized inter-panel and panel-to-bed connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular panel design allows only the worn panels to be removed and replaced, while intact panels are retained and reused. This selective replacement approach recovers functional components, reducing material waste and replacement costs compared to replacing the entire liner system, while maintaining bed protection through the remaining functional panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Area of stationary object

If a single large liner is used, then coverage is complete, but installation complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liner system is divided into multiple panels that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel is a separate module with standardized attachment features, allowing selective replacement without removing the entire liner system. This segmentation enables easier handling and installation while maintaining secure fixation through standardized inter-panel and panel-to-bed connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple individual panels are combined to form a complete liner system that provides full bed coverage. The panels connect through standardized interfaces (lips and recesses) to create a unified structure that functions as a complete protective covering, achieving full coverage while maintaining the simplicity of modular installation and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9545956B2Liner system for bed of a machine

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A liner system for a bed of a material hauling machine is provided. The liner system includes a first panel having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface includes a plurality of projected sections and defines a recess between each of the plurality of projected sections and a keyway recess. The liner system also includes a second panel having a first lip portion and a second lip portion configured to interconnect with the second and first lip portion of adjacent second panels respectively. The second panel also includes a first protruding portion configured to be received into the recess and a second protruding portion configured to be received into the keyway recess. The liner system further includes a locking panel having a first extension member, a second extension member and one or more fastening means configured to fasten the second panel to the first panel.