Retractable Locking Element for Wear Element Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for wear elements in earth moving machines are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, often requiring the locking device to be removed and reinstalled, and are not cost-effective, especially when wear elements need frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a reversible movement mechanism and elastic means that allows it to be completely retracted within the housing during assembly, facilitating easy installation and removal of wear elements without needing to handle the locking device, and is designed to exert a force that securely locks the wear element in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking device is designed to be easily removable and replaceable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional movement mechanisms and elastic means
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a locking element that can dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the locking element to be automatically retracted during wear element installation and then extend to secure the wear element, eliminating the need for manual removal and reinstallation of the locking device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means automatically retract the locking element without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism uses stored elastic energy to pull the locking element back into its retracted position after it has performed its locking function, enabling the system to service itself during the wear element replacement process.
2Device complexity
If the locking device remains fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it cannot be easily removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic component that can move between extended and retracted states. This movement is achieved through the interaction of the locking element with the movement means and elastic means, allowing it to adapt its position based on the operational requirements of wear element installation and securing.
3Reliability
If the locking device requires frequent replacement, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to assembly and disassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to service itself by automatically retracting the locking element through elastic means, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reinstallation operations. This self-service capability significantly reduces the time required for wear element replacement while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic movement capability of the locking element allows it to be quickly transitioned between operational states without requiring physical removal from the housing. This dynamic retraction and extension mechanism enables rapid wear element replacement, reducing downtime while maintaining locking reliability.
4Reliability
If the locking element is always extended, then the reliability of securing the wear element is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it cannot be easily retracted for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be dynamically positionable, transitioning between extended and retracted states as needed. During normal operation, it extends to securely lock the wear element. During replacement, it can be retracted through the movement means and elastic means, allowing easy removal and reinstallation of wear elements without manual handling of the locking device.
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
This configuration simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, reduces downtime, and allows for cost savings by not requiring frequent replacement of the locking device, while ensuring secure attachment of wear elements.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means which, in the extended position, exert a force in the direction of the direction of movement that tends to move the locking element closer to the internal element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device for coupling a wear element (11) to a support (10) in an earth moving machine, having a housing (9) in the support (10) and a hole (12) in the wear element such that, in an assembled position, the housing (9) and the hole (12) are at least partially aligned. The locking device is introduced inside the housing (9), and comprises: - a locking element (1), - an internal element (2), - movement means suitable for moving the locking element (1) with respect to the internal element (2), in a reversible manner and according to a direction of movement, between a retracted position, in which the locking element is completely within the housing and completely outside the hole, and an extended position, and - elastic means which, in the extended position, exert a force that tends to move the locking element (1) closer to the internal element (2).