Segmented Wear Member Base Layer for Curved Surface Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wear members for machines with ground engaging components face limitations in versatility due to size and configuration constraints, particularly when attaching to curved surfaces, which can lead to cracking or breaking, and are not easily scalable in size.
Innovation Solution
A wear member design featuring a base layer divided into multiple pieces with interlocking edges and gaps that do not align parallel to the channels in the outer layer, allowing for flexible assembly and controlled fracture when conforming to non-flat surfaces, enhancing attachment to various machine surfaces and preventing cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the wear member is made larger to protect bigger surfaces, then the protection coverage is improved, but the mounting surface becomes more prone to cracking or breaking when attached to curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is divided into multiple separate mounting surfaces, each corresponding to a different one of the plurality of channels. This segmentation allows each mounting surface to independently conform to curved surfaces without excessive stress concentration, enabling the wear member to be made larger while maintaining strength when attached to curved surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wear member is designed to conform to curved surfaces by making it more flexible, then the adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is divided into multiple separate mounting surfaces corresponding to different channels. This segmentation provides flexibility to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity, as each segment can independently adapt without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wear member have different properties: the outer layer has a hard wear surface for abrasion resistance, while the mounting surfaces are positioned to provide flexibility for curved surface attachment. This local differentiation allows the wear member to simultaneously achieve adaptability to curved surfaces and maintain structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the channels extend parallel to each other across the width of the wear member, then the wear resistance is improved, but the mounting surface becomes more susceptible to cracking when attached to curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is segmented into multiple separate mounting surfaces, each corresponding to a different channel. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the channels to extend parallel for wear resistance while preventing continuous stress paths that would cause cracking in the mounting surface when attached to curved surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wear member (100) for attachment to a surface of a machine (50) is provided, the wear member including a body (102) having an outer layer (106) and a base layer (104). The outer layer (106) including a plurality of channels (120) formed in an outer surface (105). The base layer (104) is attached to an inner surface (107) of the outer layer (106). The base layer (104) is divided into a plurality of base layer pieces (122, 124, 126), each of the plurality of base layer pieces including at least one interfacing edge (130, 140, 142). The plurality of base layer pieces are assembled together such that each interfacing edge of each of the plurality of base layer pieces is opposite an interfacing edge of another of the plurality of base layer pieces so as to define at least one gap (160, 162) therebetween.