One-Piece Adapter Protector With Self-Holding Full-Perimeter Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective elements for earthmoving machine adapters are inefficient in protecting the entire front perimeter, particularly the connection part, leading to excessive wear and difficulty in installation, especially in large sizes, and often require welding which can damage the adapter.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece protective element with curved and flat portions, including internal protrusions, that self-holds onto the adapter via tooth contact, allowing easy installation from the upper side and providing enhanced protection and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If wear caps are used to protect the adapter, then the upper part of the adapter is protected, but the sides and lower part remain unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is divided into three distinct protective portions: an upper protective portion, a lower protective portion, and two side protective portions. Each portion is specifically shaped to protect different areas of the adapter, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire front perimeter while maintaining the ability to be manufactured as a single integrated piece.
2Ease of manufacture
If protective elements are mechanically fastened to the adapter, then the adapter can be protected without welding, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element features self-holding capability through its geometric design. The curved and flat portions are shaped to naturally conform to and hold onto the adapter's geometry, allowing the protective element to secure itself without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, welding, or complex assembly procedures.
3Device complexity
If the protective element is made as a single piece, then the structure is simplified, but the weight increases making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element incorporates a collar shape with frontal and rear openings, transforming the structure from a solid block to a hollow cylindrical form. This dimensional change significantly reduces the weight and material consumption while maintaining the structural integrity and protective function, making installation feasible without requiring heavy lifting equipment.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lower wear cap is placed in large sizes, then the lower part is protected, but the installation becomes extremely difficult due to safety restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the upper and lower protective portions into a single integrated protective element with a continuous collar shape. This allows the entire element to be installed from the upper side in one operation, eliminating the need for separate installation of lower wear caps and avoiding the accessibility and safety issues associated with installing heavy lower protective elements in the field.
Data Source
AI summary
The protective element for a wear element of earthmoving machines that is made from one piece, comprising a first protective portion (2); a second protective portion (3) placed opposite to the first protective portion (2); and two side protective portions (4), wherein at least one of the side protective portions (4), or both, comprise an internal protrusion (5).It permits to provide a protective element that protects the entire front perimeter of a wear element of earthmoving machines, in particular, for protecting the connection part of adapters of earthmoving machines.