Ripper Shank Protector With Pivoting Lock And Gradient Ridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ripper shank assemblies face challenges in efficiently protecting the shank from wear and tear during operation, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs due to direct contact with abrasive terrain.
Innovation Solution
A ripper shank protector design that includes a pivoting mechanism with a rotating lock assembly, allowing secure mounting and alignment with the shank, and a thickness distribution of protective ridges to enhance durability and longevity, along with a separate securement system for the ripper tip and shank protector, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate securement system is used for the ripper tip and shank protector, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shank protector is divided into multiple segments with individual securement systems. Each segment can be independently secured to the shank using separate mounting projections and slots, allowing for easier installation and removal of individual wear components without replacing the entire shank assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank protector features a nested structure where the protective ridge is positioned within the hollow body of the protector. The mounting projections extend from the body to engage with slots in the shank, creating a nested arrangement that facilitates modular assembly and disassembly.
2Reliability
If thickness distribution of protective ridges is used to enhance durability, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shank protector employs non-uniform thickness distribution of the protective ridge, with greater thickness positioned at the front end where abrasion is most severe. The thickness decreases toward the rear end, creating a gradient structure that concentrates wear-resistant material where it is most needed while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank protector is constructed from wear-resistant materials with varying properties distributed throughout the structure. The protective ridge uses materials optimized for abrasion resistance at high-wear zones, while other portions may use lighter materials, creating a composite structure that balances durability and weight.
3Reliability
If the pivoting mechanism with rotating lock assembly is used for secure mounting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shank protector incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows the protective ridge to rotate or pivot relative to the main body during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the ridge to adapt to varying terrain conditions and wear patterns, improving reliability while the rotating lock assembly provides secure mounting when engaged.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ripper shank protector including a first side, a second side, and a center face extending between the first side and the second side. The shank protector further includes a first protector mount in the first side, and a second protector mount in the first side, the second protector mount including an open-ended slot that allows sliding the slot onto a mounting projection extending from a ripper shank.