Power Locking System for Earth Moving Equipment Adaptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth moving machinery's ground engaging tools, such as teeth and adaptors, are prone to damage and wear due to exposure to harsh environments, requiring frequent replacement and manual locking mechanisms that are difficult to access and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A power-operated locking system concealed within the machinery, using wireless remote technology to lock and unlock teeth and adaptors, eliminating the need for external access and protecting the locking mechanism from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used for teeth and adaptors, then the locking system is simple in structure, but the locking mechanism is exposed to external environment causing damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the adaptor body itself, with the locking member housed inside the adaptor rather than exposed externally. This internal nesting protects the locking mechanism from environmental damage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless remote control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the locking mechanism, allowing operation without direct physical access to external components. This eliminates the need for exposed external interfaces
2Strength
If threaded locking mechanisms are used, then the locking strength is improved, but the mechanism requires external access for operation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The manual threaded mechanical locking system is replaced with a power-operated locking mechanism that can be actuated remotely via wireless control. This substitution maintains strong locking capability while eliminating the need for external access during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the adaptor, with all operational components housed internally. The system serves itself by allowing remote operation without requiring external intervention or disassembly
3Ease of operation
If locking mechanisms are exposed externally, then the operation and control is straightforward, but the mechanism is subject to extreme abrasion and forces during use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the adaptor body, protecting it from external abrasion and forces while maintaining operational capability through wireless remote control
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless remote control serves as an intermediary that provides ease of operation without requiring external access to the locking mechanism, thereby protecting the mechanism from environmental damage
4Device complexity
If manual hammering or wrench operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the service time and maintenance frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operation (hammering, wrench turning) is replaced with power-operated wireless remote control, significantly reducing service time while keeping the overall device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured within the adaptor body with all necessary components integrated, allowing for quick remote operation without preliminary preparation or external access requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor includes a body defining a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis that is normal to the longitudinal axis. The body also has a leading portion defining a lock receiving recess extending transversely at least partially through the leading portion. The leading portion defines at least one linear portion in the lock receiving recess that is configured to engage the power locking device.