Ripper Tip With Rearward Ridge And Rotating Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ripper shank assemblies face challenges with wear and tear during operation, requiring frequent replacement of ripper tips and shank protectors due to abrasion, and existing mounting systems lack secure and efficient mechanisms for attaching these components.

Innovation Solution

The ripper shank assembly incorporates a ripper tip with a rearwardly projecting ridge for increased wear resistance and a rotating lock assembly for secure mounting, along with a shank protector that pivots and locks onto the ripper shank, distributing weight and wear patterns to prolong component life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If replaceable ripper tips and shank protectors are used to avoid replacing the entire shank, then the cost of replacement is reduced, but the frequency of replacement increases due to vigorous abrasion during ripping operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial lossVSAvoidservice life of ripper tip
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing increased material thickness at the rear end of the ripper tip where wear occurs. The rear end surface has a maximum thickness between the mounting cavity and the ridge top, creating a wear reservoir that extends the service life of the ripper tip without increasing the overall size of the component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning excess material at the rear end of the ripper tip before wear begins. The upwardly projecting ridge and increased thickness at the rear end create a predetermined wear zone that protects the critical front cutting edge, allowing the tip to be replaced less frequently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a secure mounting system is implemented to prevent wear and detachment, then the reliability of the ripper tip attachment is improved, but the complexity of the mounting mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a rotating lock assembly that transitions from an unlocked to a locked position through rotation. The lock assembly includes a lock body that rotates about the shank, with cam surfaces that engage with the ripper tip to secure it in place. This dynamic locking mechanism provides secure attachment while remaining relatively simple in construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2761104B1Ripper tip for a ripper shank assembly
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 CATERPILLAR INC
  • EP2761104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2761104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2761104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ripper tip includes a front end, a rear end, and a mounting cavity extending into the rear end. The ripper tip further includes an upper surface extending between the front end and the rear end, wherein a portion of the upper surface at the rear end of the ripper tip includes an upwardly projecting ridge having ridge sides and a ridge top that extend rearwardly on the ripper tip.