Motor Grader Circle Assembly to Prevent Load-Induced Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grading machines experience bending of the circle due to poor load distribution, leading to increased downtime and servicing costs.

Innovation Solution

A circle assembly with a base plate and mounting brackets that distribute cylinder loads uniformly across the circle, preventing bending and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional cylinder mount assembly is used, then the cylinder can be coupled with the circle, but the circle undergoes bending due to poor load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircle bending resistanceVSAvoidcircle load distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into multiple discrete mounting points (first and second mounting brackets) positioned at different locations on the circle. This segmentation allows loads to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at a single point, preventing circle bending while maintaining cylinder coupling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting brackets are strategically positioned at specific locations on the circle to optimize load distribution. The first mounting bracket is positioned to receive the cylinder, while the second mounting bracket is positioned to provide additional support and balance, creating localized reinforcement where needed to prevent bending.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the circle bends under load, then the implement can be positioned, but downtime and servicing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade positioningVSAvoidmachine downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dual mounting bracket configuration provides preemptive structural support that prevents circle bending before it occurs. By distributing loads across multiple predetermined mounting points, the circle maintains its structural integrity during operation, eliminating the need for downtime to address bending issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a single mounting point is used, then the structure is simple, but load distribution is poor causing circle bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting assembly structureVSAvoidcircle bending resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250223777A1Circle assembly for implement

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A circle assembly for an implement of a motor grader includes a base plate defining a first slot and a second slot disposed adjacent to the first slot. The circle assembly also includes a circle fixedly coupled with the base plate and a first mounting bracket fixedly coupled to the base plate and the circle. The first mounting bracket defines a third slot. The circle assembly includes a first plate member fixedly coupled with the base plate and the first mounting bracket. The circle assembly also includes a second mounting bracket disposed adjacent to the first mounting bracket. The second mounting bracket is fixedly coupled to the base plate and the circle, wherein the second mounting bracket defines a fourth slot. The circle assembly further includes a second plate member fixedly coupled with the base plate and the second mounting bracket.