Remote Tooth Locking Mechanism for Earthmoving Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for earth moving machinery teeth are prone to damage and wear due to exposure to harsh environments, requiring manual access and maintenance, which is cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A power-operated locking system concealed within the adaptor and tooth components, utilizing wireless remote technology to lock and unlock teeth and adaptors, protecting the mechanism from environmental damage and enabling quick servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used for teeth, then the structure is simple, but the locking mechanism is exposed to harsh environment and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the adaptor body, with the locking member housed inside a recess in the adaptor. This concealment protects the locking mechanism from environmental damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual threading mechanism is replaced with a power-operated system using a motor, gear reducer, and lead screw. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating manual operation in harsh environments while the concealed design maintains structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If power-operated locking system is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex power-operated locking mechanism is nested within the adaptor body, concealing the motor, gear reducer, and lead screw inside the adaptor. This allows the system to achieve high reliability through power operation while minimizing the visible complexity and protecting the mechanism from environmental damage.
3Ease of operation
If locking mechanism is accessible from exterior, then ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism is exposed to extreme abrasion and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the adaptor body, protecting it from extreme abrasion and environmental forces. The locking member is housed inside a recess, eliminating direct exposure to harsh conditions while maintaining operational capability through power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operation is replaced with power operation, allowing the locking mechanism to be concealed within the adaptor body. The motor-driven system can operate the locking member without requiring external access, thus protecting the mechanism from environmental damage while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If teeth are frequently replaced, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintenance complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual threading operations are replaced with power operation, enabling rapid attachment and detachment of teeth. The motor-driven locking mechanism can be actuated quickly without manual manipulation, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-operated locking system enables quick and easy tooth replacement by eliminating the need for manual threading operations. The automated mechanism allows for rapid locking and unlocking, making the maintenance process more efficient and less time-consuming.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system extends the service life of the locking mechanism, reduces maintenance complexity, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing remote operation and quick attachment/detachment of teeth and adaptors.
Implementation Method 1
A motor may be disposed in the blind bore
Implementation Method 2
a gear reducer may be disposed proximate to the motor in the blind bore
Implementation Method 3
A lead screw may be disposed in the blind bore that is connected to the gear reducer
Implementation Method 4
A sliding lock member may include a threaded aperture that receives the lead screw
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An adaptor (10, 10a) includes a body (10', 10'') defining a longitudinal axis (11), and a transverse axis (13) that is normal to the longitudinal axis (11). The body (10', 10'') also has a leading portion (16) defining a lock receiving recess (18') extending transversely at least partially through the leading portion (16), and a wire receiving conduit (46) that is in communication with the lock receiving recess (18'). The lock receiving recess (18') defines a width (82) and a depth (84) with a ratio of the depth (84) to width (82) that is greater than 1.0.