Rotating Retainer System for Ground-Engaging Tool Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer systems for ground-engaging tools on earth-working machines are inefficient in facilitating easy replacement and secure attachment, leading to wear and damage, especially in extreme conditions like concrete or rock excavation.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system featuring a frustum-shaped lug post on the adapter and a corresponding curved retainer with a semi-circular latch collar, allowing for secure locking and easy unlocking of the ground-engaging tip to the adapter, utilizing a rotatable mechanism for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional retainer system is used to attach ground-engaging tools to earth-working implements, then the tools can be removably attached, but the replacement process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is divided into distinct modular components: a body portion with a cavity, a separate head portion that rotates relative to the body, and a lug post with defined engagement features. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly by simply rotating the head portion, eliminating complex fastening procedures and significantly reducing tool replacement time.
2Ease of repair
If the ground-engaging tools are made removable for maintenance, then wear and damage can be addressed, but the attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion features a curved outer surface that interfaces with a corresponding curved inner surface in the body portion. This curved geometry creates a wedge-like locking action when the head is rotated into the locked position, generating friction and mechanical interference that securely holds the lug post in place. The curvature ensures positive engagement while maintaining simple rotational movement for both attachment and detachment.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then attachment reliability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is designed to be self-locking through its geometric features. The curved surfaces and lug post configuration automatically engage when the head portion is rotated, creating a secure locked position without requiring additional locking components, springs, or actuation mechanisms. The system self-maintains its locked state through friction and mechanical interference, eliminating the need for complex control systems while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-engaging tool system (110) includes an adapter (112) attachable to a work implement (100) and a ground-engaging tip (114) that is releasably connectable to the adapter (112). To releasably mate the adapter (112) and the tip (114), the adapter (112) may include a projecting lug post (162, 164) that locks and unlocks with a rotatable, latch-like retainer (180, 182) in the tip (114). The lug post (162, 164) may be a frustum or frustoconical structure having a truncated flat (204) and an exterior side surface (200) that intersect at a peripheral edge (206). The shape of the truncated flat (204), peripheral edge (206), and exterior side surface (200) may further be delineated by a first radius (222) and a second radius (232) of different dimensions, or by radii having first and second centers (224, 234) that are not coincident in location on the truncated flat (204).