Rackbar Extension Rib Fit for Mining Machine Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mining machines experience undesirable lateral movement and wear due to excessive rotation of the rack about the third axis, which affects the alignment and engagement between the sprocket and the rack, leading to inefficiencies and potential mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ribs on the rack and clog to create a closer tolerance, limiting rotation about the third axis while allowing rotation about the first and second axes, thereby maintaining alignment and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack loosely fits in the clog to allow rotation, then the rack can rotate about the first and second axes for proper engagement, but excessive rotation about the third axis occurs causing lateral movement and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different fit characteristics to different parts of the rack-clog interface. The body of the rack loosely fits in the clog to allow rotation about the first and second axes, while the extension of the rack tightly fits against the rib to prevent rotation about the third axis. This local differentiation of fit quality resolves the contradiction by allowing necessary rotation while preventing excessive lateral movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into two functional segments: the body portion that interfaces with the clog cavity for rotation, and the extension portion that interfaces with the rib for alignment control. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the body enables rotation while the extension limits lateral movement, resolving the contradiction between rotation capability and alignment stability.
2Reliability
If the rack is tightly secured to prevent rotation, then alignment is maintained, but rotation about the first and second axes is restricted affecting engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates different fit conditions at different locations: the extension fits tightly against the rib to maintain alignment, while the body fits loosely in the clog to allow rotation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing stability where needed and freedom of movement where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is segmented into a body for rotation and an extension for alignment. The body portion is designed to rotate freely within the clog cavity, while the extension portion is designed to engage tightly with the rib. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the rotation function from the alignment function.
3Ease of operation
If the rack rotates excessively about the third axis, then lateral movement occurs causing wear on trapping shoe and sprocket teeth, but preventing rotation restricts necessary movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different constraints to different parts of the rack. The extension is constrained by the rib to prevent rotation about the third axis and reduce wear, while the body is allowed to rotate freely in the clog cavity to maintain necessary movement freedom. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between movement freedom and wear prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into a body that can rotate to maintain movement freedom and an extension that engages with the rib to prevent excessive rotation and wear. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both movement freedom and wear prevention simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A rackbar for a mining machine has a body including a first end and second end, an inner rack wall, an outer rack wall spaced from the inner rack wall, a plurality of gear teeth extending between the inner rack wall and the outer rack wall, an extension disposed adjacent the first end, a pin aperture positioned on the extension, and a rib extending along a surface of the extension. The inner and outer rack walls extend between the first end and the second end parallel to a rack axis. The extension extends in a direction perpendicular to the rack axis. The pin aperture is configured to receive a pin.