Modular Mining Bucket With Replaceable Load-Carrying Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket designs require replacement of the entire bucket when the lower load-carrying region is damaged, leading to high costs and downtime, as the upper region remains serviceable, and there is a need for adaptable bucket sizes to optimize mining operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular bucket design comprising a handling section and a separate load-carrying section, connected by a fastening arrangement allowing for easy detachment and replacement of the load-carrying section, enabling quick refurbishment and size adjustments without modifying the handling section, using mechanical fasteners and welds for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire bucket is replaced when the lower region is damaged, then the bucket reliability is restored, but the cost increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is divided into two separate sections: a handling section (upper region) and a load carrying section (lower region). The load carrying section can be detached and replaced independently from the handling section, allowing only the worn portion to be replaced rather than the entire bucket. This segmentation enables quick replacement of the load carrying section while reusing the handling section, significantly reducing replacement time and cost.
2Reliability
If the entire bucket is replaced when the lower region is damaged, then the bucket reliability is restored, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket is divided into a handling section and a load carrying section that can be manufactured separately. The handling section with its precision-machined formations can be reused, while only the load carrying section needs to be manufactured or refurbished. This reduces manufacturing costs by avoiding the need to re-machine high-tolerance formations on the entire bucket.
3Productivity
If the bucket size is changed to optimize mining operations, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load carrying section is designed as a separate, interchangeable component that can be swapped with different sizes or configurations. This allows the handling section to remain standard while the load carrying section is modified to match specific mining operation requirements, optimizing productivity without permanently increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling section is designed with universal mounting formations that can accommodate different load carrying section configurations. This allows a single handling section to work with multiple load carrying sections of varying sizes and types, enabling flexible adaptation to different mining operations without requiring completely different bucket designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket for moving ground material is disclosed comprising a handling section that is connected to a separate load carrying section to form a fixed body. The handling and load carrying sections define a load carrying space and forming a fixed open mouth through which material is received into and discharged from the load carrying space. The handling section includes an upper wall that extends in a direction away from a front end adjacent the open mouth to a rear end. The load carrying section includes a base wall and two side walls projecting up from each side of the base wall. The bucket includes a fastening arrangement fastening the handling section to the load carrying section. A method of changing the load carrying volume of a bucket and refurbishing a bucket by swapping out the load carrying sections is also disclosed.