Retractable Tooth Bar Excavating Bucket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavating buckets do not allow operators to easily and quickly alternate between using the bucket as a smooth-edged and a tooth-edged bucket, limiting versatility in excavation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A combination excavating bucket with a retractable tooth bar that can be pivotally mounted to inner lateral sides, allowing the tooth bar to move between fully-extended and fully-retracted positions, enabling the bucket to function as either tooth-edged or smooth-edged by using hydraulic actuators to control the position of the tooth bar relative to a smooth cutting bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tooth bar is permanently attached to the bucket, then the bucket can function as a tooth-edged bucket, but it cannot easily alternate between smooth-edged and tooth-edged operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth bar is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in different locations on the bucket. The attachment means enables the tooth bar to be dynamically adjusted between engaged and disengaged states, transforming the bucket between tooth-edged and smooth-edged configurations without permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth bar is separated from the bucket as an independent component that can be attached and detached. This segmentation allows the tooth bar to be independently positioned or removed, enabling the bucket to function as a smooth-edged bucket when teeth are not needed, while maintaining the capability to add teeth when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buckets are carried for different functions, then versatility is achieved, but time is lost during switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
A single bucket is designed with universal functionality to perform both smooth-edged excavation and tooth-edged ripping operations. The attachment means allows the same bucket to be configured for different functions by adjusting the tooth bar position, eliminating the need to carry multiple specialized buckets and reducing switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth bar and attachment means are pre-configured on the bucket in a ready-to-engage state. When tooth-edged operation is needed, the tooth bar can be quickly positioned into engagement with the bucket edge without requiring assembly or reconfiguration, enabling rapid switching between functional modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If teeth are welded to the bucket, then a tooth-edged bucket is created, but the bucket cannot be easily reconfigured or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the permanent welding process with a mechanical attachment system. The tooth bar is connected to the bucket through attachment means that allow for easy engagement and disengagement without welding, enabling the bucket to be reconfigured or the teeth to be replaced without complex manufacturing processes or specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination excavating bucket adapted for connection to a power driven excavating vehicle, comprising: a) bucket comprising a transverse smooth cutting bar along its front bottom edge, b) a retractable tooth bar pivotally mounted to inner opposed lateral sides of the excavating bucket, wherein the tooth bar comprises a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the tooth bar, and a pivot means for alternately moving the tooth bar between i) a fully-extended position, wherein the tooth bar fits over the smooth cutting bar thereby permitting the bucket to function as a tooth-edged bucket; and ii) a fully-retracted position, wherein the tooth bar is retracted away from the smooth cutting bar and the smooth cutting bar is exposed thereby permitting the bucket to function as a smooth-edged bucket, wherein the pivot means comprises first and second pivot arms pivotally mounted to the bucket.