Root Cutter Collar Quick-Change Skid Retainer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing root cutter collars require multiple tools and time to change skids of different sizes due to the need to manage and reattach nuts, bolts, and washers, which are often lost during the process.
Innovation Solution
A root cutter collar design featuring a base tube with skid bosses, retainers, and threaded fasteners, where skid bosses have tapped holes and location pins, and skids have slotted openings and pin notches, allowing for quick and tool-efficient size changes without losing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bolts, nuts and washers are used to retain skids on the root cutter collar, then the skids can be securely attached, but the hardware is easily lost and requires multiple tools and time to change skids
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into a body portion and a cap portion that can be separated. The cap can be removed to access and retain the fastener, allowing the skid to be changed without losing the fastener. This segmentation enables quick release and reattachment while keeping the fastener secured within the retainer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the skid and the root cutter collar. It provides a controlled mechanism for attaching and detaching the skid, with the cap serving as a mediator to secure the fastener during the changing process, preventing loss of hardware.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure skids, then secure attachment is achieved, but the number of tools required to change skids increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single retainer assembly. The retainer body, cap, and fastener work together as an integrated unit, allowing all fastening operations to be performed with one tool (a wrench or socket that fits the fastener) rather than multiple different tools for different fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly serves multiple functions: it secures the skid to the collar, retains the fastener during changes, and provides a standardized interface for tool engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening methods are used, then skids can be attached, but nuts, bolts and washers are easily lost during skid changes
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is extracted from the traditional exposed configuration and placed inside the retainer body. The cap covers the opening to prevent the fastener from falling out during skid changes, while still allowing controlled access when needed for assembly or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is pre-assembled with the fastener inside before the skid change operation begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures the fastener is already in position and secured, eliminating the risk of loss during the changing process and enabling quick interchange of skids.
Data Source
AI summary
A root cutter collar with quick changing skids preferably includes a base tube, a plurality of skid bosses, a plurality of skid retainers, a plurality of threaded fasteners and a plurality of skids. The plurality of skid bosses are attached to an outside perimeter of the base tube. A pair of tapped holes are formed through each skid boss. A location pin extends outward from the skid boss and is located between the pair of tapped holes. Each skid retainer includes two through holes, which are concentric with the two tapped holes in each skid boss. Each skid includes a pair of slotted openings and a pin notch located between the pair of slotted openings. The pin notch is sized to receive the location pin. Threaded fasteners are inserted into the pair of holes in the skid retainer and tightened in the skid boss to retain the skid.