Segmented Half-Stop Fixing Device for Earth Moving Shovel Wear Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for wear or protection elements on earth moving machines are prone to failure under high mechanical stress, leading to frequent replacements and increased operating costs, as they struggle to withstand both loading and unloading forces without compromising the integrity of the fastening system.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a lower and upper half-stop assembly, where the lower half-stop is housed in a base-mounted housing, and the upper half-stop is introduced through an opening on the wear element, ensuring the upper half-stop does not contact the front wall of the housing, thus distributing forces differently and preventing strain on the screw, allowing for easier installation and removal without subjecting the screw to stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixing systems are used to secure wear elements on shovel, then the wear elements can be fixed to the lip, but the fixing systems fail under high mechanical stress during unloading forces, causing frequent replacements and increased operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is divided into two separate components: a lower stop portion that remains fixed in the housing and an upper stop portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its function optimally - the lower portion anchors the system while the upper portion engages the wear element, distributing mechanical stresses more effectively and preventing complete fixing system failure under unloading forces.
Solution Approach 2:
A screw acts as an intermediary element to connect and adjust the relative positions of the lower and upper stop portions. This intermediary mechanism enables precise positioning of the upper stop while allowing the system to absorb and distribute mechanical loads, preventing direct stress transmission that would cause fixing system failure.
2Strength
If stronger materials and larger fastening components are used to withstand unloading forces, then the fixing system can resist separation forces, but the cost increases and the elements become more difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system incorporates dynamic adjustability through the screw mechanism, allowing the upper stop portion to be positioned and secured at optimal locations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different wear element configurations and stress conditions without requiring oversized static components, maintaining strength while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the positioning and engagement of the upper stop portion through screw adjustment. By varying the engagement parameters rather than increasing component size, the system achieves the necessary strength to resist unloading forces while maintaining ease of manufacture and removal.
3Force
If the upper half-stop is positioned to contact the front wall of the housing, then the stopping force is maximized, but the screw connecting the half-stops experiences strain and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The upper stop portion is extracted from direct contact with the front wall of the housing, eliminating the transmission of high stopping forces to the screw. The upper stop engages the wear element separately, while the lower stop portion contacts the housing to provide the primary stopping force, thereby protecting the screw from breaking while maintaining effective stopping capability.
4Ease of operation
If larger openings are provided on the wear element for accessing the fixing system, then installation and removal are easier, but the mechanical properties of the wear element are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into lower and upper portions that can be independently accessed and manipulated. The lower stop portion can be installed and removed through the opening, while the upper stop portion can be adjusted and secured separately. This segmentation allows for smaller openings that maintain wear element strength while still providing adequate access for maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device for fixing a wear or protection element on a shovel of an earth moving machine and the corresponding fixing system and method. Fixing device for fixing a wear or protection element (1) on a shovel (3) of an earth moving machine that comprises a stop, which is formed by a lower half-stop (7) and an upper half-stop (9) attached to one another by a screw (11), with a lower portion (31) suitable for being housed in a housing (17) arranged on a base (5) fixed to the shovel (3). Both half-stops can be separately introduced in the housing (17) through an opening (19) arranged on the upper face (21) of the wear element (1). The assembly formed by both half-stops has a plan view exceeding the perimeter of the plan view of the opening (19). The upper half-stop (9) is not in contact with the front wall (29).