Spring Steel Sleeve Retainer for Mud-Resistant Lug Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining mechanisms for work implement assemblies, such as those used in earth-moving equipment, face issues with mud or debris packing and increased force requirements for unlocking, which hinder performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A spring steel sleeve design with a spring-loaded retainer mechanism that includes a lug receiving portion, a drive portion, and a flange to prevent mud ingress and reduce assembly force, allowing for easy locking and unlocking configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to prevent rotation of the mounting component, then the retaining mechanism can hold the wear member to the base, but mud or other material can pack into the retaining mechanism which hinders its performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of the retaining clip by replacing it with a spring-loaded retainer system. The spring-loaded retainer performs the necessary retention function while its design (with openings or gaps) prevents mud packing, thus removing the harmful effect while preserving the useful function of preventing rotation and holding the wear member.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the retention system by transitioning from a rigid retaining clip to a spring-loaded retainer with different geometric characteristics. The spring-loaded design with openings changes the density and material distribution parameters, allowing the system to maintain structural integrity while preventing mud accumulation.
2Strength
If a retaining clip is used to secure the mounting component, then the wear member can be held to the base, but the force necessary to unlock the retaining mechanism increases to an undesirable extent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by replacing the static retaining clip with a spring-loaded retainer system. The spring provides dynamic behavior, allowing the retainer to automatically adjust to loading conditions. This enables the system to maintain high retention force during operation while requiring minimal force to unlock, as the spring can be easily compressed or released to disengage the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retainer system enables periodic action in the locking and unlocking mechanism. The spring can be cyclically compressed and released, allowing for easy repeated locking and unlocking operations. This periodic mechanical action facilitates easy operation while maintaining strong retention during the locked state.
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 solution effectively prevents mud and debris from entering the retaining mechanism while reducing the force needed to unlock the retainer, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the retaining mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a folded body including a flat base defining a front face, a rear face, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a flat base thickness measured from the front face to the rear face; and a first spring arm extending from the first side edge of the flat base
Data Source
AI summary
A spring loaded retainer includes a lug receiving portion defining a first maximum outside dimension, the lug receiving portion also defining a lug receiving slot that extends partially through the lug receiving portion, forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. A drive portion defines a second maximum outside dimension, and a first flat is disposed on the outside of the lug receiving portion proximate to the first sidewall or the second sidewall.