Notched Base Edge Adapter Assembly for Durable Tool Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current work implement adapters used in earth-moving and construction equipment lack durability and longevity, failing to meet customer requirements for extended service life.

Innovation Solution

A notched base edge with center and end notches, combined with an adapter featuring a nose portion, legs, and a throat portion with a protrusion, designed to securely attach tools and distribute load effectively, enhancing stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current adapters are mechanically attached to the working edge, then tool attachment is achieved, but durability and longevity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadapter durabilityVSAvoidadapter service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The base edge is divided into multiple notches (center notches and end notches) that segment the attachment interface. The adapter corresponds with these notches to create multiple discrete contact points, distributing the load and improving overall durability compared to a single continuous attachment interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notches are strategically positioned at specific locations (center and ends of the base edge) to create localized high-strength attachment zones. The adapter's corresponding features are shaped to maximize contact area at these critical locations, providing enhanced durability where it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the adapter is designed with multiple notches and contact points, then contact area with base edge is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact areaVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is segmented into multiple notches and corresponding adapter features, which increases contact area while maintaining relatively simple individual components. Each notch and corresponding adapter feature is a simple geometric shape, but their combination provides extensive contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notched base edge design serves multiple functions: it increases contact area, distributes load, provides alignment features, and enables easy tool replacement. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple notched geometry rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11236494B2Work implement assembly using an adapter mating with a notched base edge

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A base edge includes a plurality of center notches and a first and a second end notches that all include the same configuration, defining a notch depth along direction of assembly, a straight middle portion straddled laterally by a first arcuate corner portion and a second arcuate corner portion, the straight middle portion defining a lateral straight middle portion width, and the notch depth ranges from 0.1 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion width to 0.5 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion width.