Ripper Shank Rotating Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ripper shank assemblies face challenges in securely mounting and removing ripper tips and shank protectors, which are prone to abrasion during operation, leading to frequent replacements and inefficiencies in soil penetration and loosening.
Innovation Solution
The ripper shank assembly incorporates rotating locks in lock cavities and bulges on the ripper tip and shank protector, allowing for secure locking and easy mounting by rotating from an unlocked to a locked position, along with a pivoting mechanism for the shank protector to align with the ripper shank, facilitating secure attachment and prolonged wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latching arrangements with hooks and pins are used to secure ripper tips and protectors, then the components can be securely mounted, but the mounting and removal process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using rotating locks that can be quickly positioned between locked and unlocked states. The locks rotate on pins and can be manually turned to engage or disengage from corresponding cavities, enabling rapid mounting and removal of ripper tips and protectors without complex latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the securing mechanism into separate rotating locks for the ripper tip and shank protector, each with its own lock cavity and pin arrangement. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component's securing mechanism, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining reliable securement
2Duration of action of stationary object
If replaceable tips and protectors are used to reduce abrasion damage, then the main shank is protected from wear, but the frequent replacement of tips and protectors creates operational inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the rotating lock mechanism to be easily operated by the operator during normal operation. The locks can be quickly engaged or disengaged by simple rotation, allowing operators to replace worn tips and protectors during brief stoppages without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, thus minimizing productivity loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by using replaceable ripper tips and shank protectors that can be quickly removed and replaced when worn. The simplified rotating lock mechanism makes this replacement process efficient, allowing the main shank to be preserved and reused multiple times while minimizing operational downtime during component replacement
3Ease of operation
If simple mounting mechanisms are used for ripper tips and protectors, then mounting is quick and easy, but the securement reliability is insufficient under vigorous abrasion conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating locks provide a dynamic securing mechanism that transitions from an easy-to-operate unlocked state to a highly reliable locked state. When rotated into position, the locks engage firmly with the lock cavities and are secured by pins, providing strong securement that can withstand vigorous abrasion forces during ripping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating locks utilize curved surfaces and rotational motion to achieve both ease of operation and securement reliability. The circular path of rotation allows for simple manual operation while the engagement geometry of the lock with its cavity creates a mechanically strong connection that resists forces during operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A ripper shank assembly including a ripper shank and a ripper tip mounted to a front end of the ripper shank. The ripper tip includes an upper surface with a first ridge extending upward from the upper surface. The ripper shank assembly further includes a ripper shank protector mounted to a front edge of the ripper shank rearward of the ripper tip, the ripper shank protector including a second ridge on a center face of the ripper shank protector, wherein a portion of the second ridge adjacent a front end of the ripper shank protector has a height greater than a height of the first ridge.