Rotating Lock Adapter for Ground Engaging Tool Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching ground engaging tools (GET) to buckets and blades are prone to reliability issues, such as pin sticking due to rust or adhesion, and often require a large hammer for installation, which can be cumbersome in field conditions, leading to potential detachment and damage.
Innovation Solution
A GET attachment system featuring a post and lock mechanism where the lock rotates between a locking and unlocking position, with a retainer bushing made of plastic to prevent metal-to-metal contact and corrosion, allowing secure attachment without the need for a hammer, and a design that keeps components together during installation and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hammer is used to drive in the pin for installation, then the GET can be securely attached, but the large hammer is cumbersome and difficult to use in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools like hammers. The rotatable lock engages with the post and GET through a simple sliding and rotating motion that secures the components together automatically, eliminating the need for hammering and making installation easy in field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical hammering system is replaced with a simpler rotational locking mechanism. Instead of driving a pin home with impact force, the system uses a rotatable lock that engages through controlled motion, substituting a complex impact-based mechanical system with a simpler rotational engagement system.
2Ease of operation
If the GET is allowed to move freely during installation, then installation is easier, but the components may separate or get lost, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The lock, retainer bushing, and GET are designed to connect and move together as a unified assembly during installation. The retainer bushing captures the GET and lock together, so they cannot separate independently. This merging of components ensures they remain together during easy installation while preventing loss or separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a secure and reliable attachment of GETs, preventing detachment and facilitating easy installation, even in challenging conditions, while reducing wear on the tool and minimizing the risk of damage from accidental loss.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer bushing made of plastic to prevent metal-to-metal contact and corrosion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
An adapter (100) for coupling a ground engaging tool (400) to a work tool comprises a nose portion (110) shaped to fit inside a cavity formed in the ground engaging tool, the nose portion (110) including a side surface (117), a post (120) formed in the side surface (117) of the nose portion (110), the post (120) including a side surface (121) and an end surface (122), and a cut (130) extending into the side surface (117) of the nose portion (110) and circumferentially around a portion of the post (120).