Shroud Retainer Holder With Inclined Locking Surface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shroud retention systems for earth-working machines are prone to unintentional disassembly, necessitating machine downtime for repair or replacement of wear members, and there is a need for a secure retention system that allows for quick assembly and disassembly at the worksite.

Innovation Solution

A shroud retention system featuring a retainer plate holder with an inclined retainer plate engaging surface and a compressor block configuration that uses a bolt to secure the retainer plate, preventing movement and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a retainer plate is used to hold the shroud in position, then the shroud can be quickly assembled and disassembled, but the retainer plate may be inadvertently moved into an unlocked position and cease to hold the shroud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and disassembly speedVSAvoidretainer plate security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder applies a preliminary securing force to the retainer plate through the inclined engaging surface, creating a locked position that prevents the retainer plate from moving into an unlocked position during operation. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential inadvertent movement before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined retainer plate engaging surface creates a geometric locking mechanism where the angle of inclination prevents the retainer plate from moving in certain directions. The curved or angled surface geometry provides a mechanical constraint that maintains reliability while allowing controlled assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the retainer plate is secured to prevent inadvertent movement, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the retention system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretainer plate securityVSAvoidretention system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for the retainer plate, applies securing force through the inclined engaging surface, and prevents inadvertent movement. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves multiple purposes within the retention system: it anchors the retainer plate, provides the inclined engaging surface for locking, and acts as a structural element of the overall shroud retention assembly. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12497763B2Holder for a work tool

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A shroud retention system may include a retainer plate holder having a top surface, a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, a retainer plate engaging surface extending between the bottom surface and the top surface, wherein the retainer plate engaging surface may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the top surface, a rear surface opposite the retainer plate engaging surface, a through-hole intersecting the retainer plate engaging surface and the rear surface and one or more protrusions extending from the retainer plate engaging surface.