Replaceable Holding Block for Mining Reducing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface excavation machines face inefficiencies and wear issues with traditional replaceable bit holders, particularly in surface mining applications, where the leading edges of reducing elements wear down quickly, leading to reduced performance and potential damage to mounting structures.

Innovation Solution

A novel replaceable holding block design with a taller and narrower profile, featuring elongated anchors and a wear indicator, allows for easy replacement and secure mounting of reducing elements, reducing wear on the mounting structure and enabling efficient material processing without the need for skilled labor or costly replacement methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional replaceable bit holders are used in surface excavation machines, then the reducing elements can be replaced, but the leading edges wear down quickly causing reduced performance and potential damage to mounting structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of reducing elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of replacement process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bit holder is segmented into a modular design with a body, elongated anchors, and fastener openings that allow the reducing element to be separated and replaced independently from the mounting structure. This segmentation enables quick replacement without damaging the mounting structure while maintaining reliable service life for the reducing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated anchors are pre-positioned within the support mount before the reducing element is installed. This preliminary action ensures that when the reducing element wears down, it can be replaced by simply removing the fasteners without needing to reposition or repair the mounting structure, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If reducing elements are worn and continue to be used, then operational time is extended, but efficiency decreases and damage to mounting structures occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational time of reducing elementsVSAvoidmaterial processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bit holder design incorporates a wear indicator that automatically signals when the reducing element has worn down to a critical level. This self-service feature allows operators to monitor the operational time and efficiency of the reducing elements without manual inspection, enabling timely replacement before damage to mounting structures occurs while maximizing productive operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wear indicator provides continuous feedback on the condition of the reducing elements. When the indicator shows that the reducing elements have worn down, it signals that replacement is needed to maintain productivity and prevent damage to the mounting structure, thus balancing operational duration with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If skilled labor and costly replacement methods are used, then replacement accuracy is improved, but operational costs and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement accuracyVSAvoiddowntime for replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bit holder acts as an intermediary component between the mounting structure and the reducing element. It provides a standardized interface with fastener openings that allow for simple, tool-free or minimal-tool replacement of the reducing element. This intermediary design maintains replacement accuracy without requiring skilled labor or causing operational downtime, as the reducing element can be quickly swapped by removing and reattaching the fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If the holding block design is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but mounting security and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost of holding blockVSAvoidmounting security of reducing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bit holder employs an asymmetric design with elongated anchors that extend in specific directions to provide enhanced mounting security. The anchors have a T-shaped or L-shaped cross-section that prevents lateral movement of the reducing element while maintaining a simple manufacturing process. This asymmetric geometry ensures reliable mounting without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10378187B2Replaceable mounting apparatus for reducing elements
Publication Date: 2019.08.13 VERMEER MFG CO
  • US10378187B2 patent drawing
  • US10378187B2 patent drawing
  • US10378187B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus including a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and a support mount secured to the drum. The apparatus includes a support mount defining first and second fastener openings and first and second anchor openings. A replaceable holding block mounts to the support mount and the replaceable holding block has a front face and a rear face. The replaceable holding block defines a first fastener opening, a second fastener opening, and a tooth opening that extend through the replaceable holding block from the front face to the rear face. The first and second fastener openings of the replaceable holding block align with the first and second fastener openings of the support mount when the replaceable housing block is mounted to the block mounting surface. A tooth is secured to the replaceable holding block at the tooth opening.