Ripper Retrieval Locking Assembly for Actuator Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rippers for work machines, such as motor graders or excavators, face issues with actuators failing under excessive loads during retrieval operations, leading to increased machine downtime and maintenance costs, as they lack mechanisms to prevent load transfer to the actuator.
Innovation Solution
A ripper design featuring a retrieval assembly with a mounting bracket and mechanical fasteners, and locking mechanisms that prevent movement of the carriage assembly relative to the mounting assembly, thereby reducing excessive load on the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retrieval device is mounted at the rear side of the ripper to enable retrieval operations, then the ability to retrieve the ripper or tow broken machinery is improved, but the actuator experiences excessive load and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval assembly is segmented into separate components: a mounting bracket with mechanical fasteners that attach to the carriage assembly, and locking mechanisms that independently secure the carriage to the mounting assembly. This segmentation allows the retrieval function to be isolated from the actuator, preventing excessive loads from reaching the actuator during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and locking mechanisms serve as intermediary elements between the retrieval device and the carriage assembly. These intermediaries absorb and distribute the retrieval forces, preventing direct transmission of excessive loads to the actuator while still enabling effective retrieval operations.
2Ease of operation
If the carriage assembly is freely movable relative to the mounting assembly to enable ground engaging operations, then the ripper can perform loosening and breaking operations, but the carriage assembly moves uncontrollably during retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the carriage assembly and mounting assembly is made dynamic through the locking mechanisms. The carriage assembly can be freely movable during ground engaging operations, then locked in place during retrieval operations. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt between operational modes, providing both ease of operation and stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be engaged in advance before retrieval operations begin. By preliminarily securing the carriage assembly to the mounting assembly, the system prepares for stable retrieval operations, preventing unwanted movement before it occurs.
3Power
If the actuator is designed to handle normal operational loads, then the ripper can effectively perform ground loosening and breaking, but the actuator fails during retrieval operations with excessive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval function is extracted from the actuator system and implemented through a separate mounting bracket and locking mechanism system. This extraction allows the actuator to be optimized for ground engagement power while the retrieval system handles excessive loads independently, preventing actuator failure during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and locking mechanisms serve as a protective cushioning system that absorbs and distributes excessive retrieval loads before they can reach the actuator. This beforehand cushioning protects the actuator from overload conditions, allowing it to maintain its ground engagement power without being compromised by retrieval loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A ripper for a work machine includes a mounting assembly adapted to couple the ripper with the work machine. The ripper also includes a carriage assembly including a cross bar. The ripper further includes a coupling assembly that movably couples the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly. The ripper includes a retrieval assembly removably coupled with the carriage assembly. The retrieval assembly includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of mechanical fasteners that removably couple the mounting bracket with the cross bar of the carriage assembly. Each of the plurality of mechanical fasteners has a linear profile or a U-shaped profile. The ripper also includes a pair of locking mechanisms. Each of the pair of locking mechanisms includes at least one linkage that locks the carriage assembly with the mounting assembly to prevent a movement of the carriage assembly relative to the mounting assembly.