Retainer Bushing Plug for Ground Engaging Tool Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer systems for ground engaging tools on earth-working machines face issues with secure attachment and detachment, as well as increased friction due to work material entering the gaps between components, which can lead to increased torque requirements and reduced system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system comprising a lock and retainer bushing that rotate relative to each other between unlocked and locked positions, with a plug filling the space between them in the locked position to prevent work material entry, and a skirt portion with a sloped top surface to reduce friction by allowing packed material to break up, along with a tool interface for easy rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer system uses a rotating lock mechanism to secure ground engaging tools, then the attachment and detachment security is improved, but work material can enter the gaps between components causing increased friction and torque requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful element (work material) from the system by using a plug to block the gap between the lock and retainer bushing, preventing material entry that would otherwise increase friction and torque requirements while maintaining the rotating lock mechanism for secure attachment
2Ease of operation
If the retainer system allows rotation between locked and unlocked positions, then ease of operation is improved, but friction increases when work material packs in the gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The plug removes the harmful factor (work material) from the gap between lock and retainer bushing, eliminating the source of friction that would otherwise increase torque requirements during rotation operations while preserving the ease of rotating between locked and unlocked positions
3Ease of manufacture
If the lock and retainer bushing have gaps between them, then ease of manufacture is improved, but work material entry causes increased wear and reduced system life
Solution Approach 1:
The plug extracts and removes work material from the gap between the lock and retainer bushing, preventing material entry that would cause wear and extend system life while maintaining the manufacturing ease of having gaps for assembly tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The plug acts as an intermediary element inserted into the gap between the lock and retainer bushing, serving as a barrier that prevents work material from entering the gap while allowing the components to maintain their manufactured dimensions and tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments of a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer system may include a lock configured to receive a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool and a retainer bushing including an inner surface configured to rotatably receive the lock. The lock may be rotatable relative to the inner surface of the retainer bushing between an unlocked position and a locked position. The retainer system may also include a plug configured to substantially fill at least a space between the lock and the inner surface of the retainer bushing when the lock is in the locked position.