Dump Body Pivot Assembly with External Gussets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The durability of off-highway truck dump bodies is compromised by increased weight due to thick metal plates and internal gussets, which complicates inspection, repair, and replacement, affecting payload capacity and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pivot assembly with externally accessible gussets and doublers, connected to cover plates and a rib, reduces weight by allowing for lighter structural components while maintaining structural integrity through strategically placed gussets and doublers that are easily accessible for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick metal plates and internal gussets are used to increase durability, then the structural strength is improved, but the overall weight increases which reduces payload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The gussets are extracted from internal positions and repositioned to external locations on the pivot assembly. This allows the structural strengthening function to be maintained while the components become accessible for inspection and repair, potentially reducing the need for excessive material thickness in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot assembly is segmented into multiple components including external gussets, doublers, and cover plates that can be independently inspected and replaced. This modular approach allows for targeted maintenance rather than replacing entire thick structural sections, effectively reducing overall weight while maintaining durability.
2Device complexity
If gussets are positioned internally within the pivot assembly, then structural compactness is improved, but inspection and repair difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gussets are extracted from internal positions and repositioned to external locations on the pivot assembly. This allows the structural strengthening function to be maintained while the components become accessible for inspection and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The external positioning of gussets allows operators to perform self-inspection and basic maintenance without requiring disassembly of the pivot assembly or specialized equipment, enabling routine checks and minor repairs to be conducted during normal operational stops.
3Reliability
If additional material is used for structural support, then the durability is improved, but the maximum payload weight capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support is segmented into strategic reinforcement zones using gussets and doublers rather than uniformly thickening all components. This targeted approach provides necessary durability at high-stress areas while minimizing overall weight addition.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally at critical stress points within the pivot assembly using gussets and doublers rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This provides maximum durability where needed while minimizing overall weight increase to preserve payload capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot assembly is disclosed. The pivot assembly may include plates. The plates may be connected to cover plates associated with respective portions of a stringer that intersect the pivot assembly. The plates may be connected to a rib that interests the pivot assembly perpendicular to the respective portions of the stringer. The cover plates may be connected to the rib at a respective end of the cover plates. The pivot assembly may comprise a respective pivot bore in the plates. The pivot assembly may comprise respective doublers around the respective pivot bore. The respective doublers may include a first doubler located on an outside surface of a plate, of the plates, and a second doubler located on an inside surface of the plate. The pivot assembly may comprise gussets. The gussets may be connected to the second doubler, the plates, and a respective cover plate of the cover plates.