Ground Engaging Tip With Support Rib and Concave Rear

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tip assemblies for earth-moving machines are prone to wear and breakage, with the adapter wearing down quickly when used with multiple tips, and existing wear indicators may not effectively protect the adapter or be suitable for all applications, leading to unnecessary wear and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A ground engaging tip assembly with a wedge-shaped tip design featuring a nose cavity, support ribs, and a wear indicator, along with an adapter system that includes straps and lugs for secure attachment, reduces wear on the adapter and facilitates easy tip replacement, while the concave section in the rear portion of the tip reduces material and weight without compromising integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple tips are attached to and worn on the adapter, then the tip can be replaced to extend implement life, but the adapter wears down more quickly than intended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuseful life of tipVSAvoiduseful life of adapter

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tip is segmented into multiple sections including a nose section, intermediate section, and rear section with a concave portion. This segmentation allows the tip to be designed with varying material distributions, concentrating material where needed for adapter protection while reducing material in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tip employs local quality by having different material thicknesses and densities in different sections. The nose and intermediate sections have sufficient material for durability, while the rear section has a concave portion with reduced material. This localized material distribution optimizes both tip longevity and adapter protection without unnecessarily increasing overall tip mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the tip is designed with sufficient material for durability, then the tip can withstand impact and abrasion, but the tip becomes heavier and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to impact and abrasionVSAvoidweight of tip

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tip employs local quality by having different material thicknesses and densities in different sections. The nose and intermediate sections have sufficient material for durability, while the rear section has a concave portion with reduced material. This localized material distribution optimizes both tip longevity and adapter protection without unnecessarily increasing overall tip mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tip is segmented into multiple sections including a nose section, intermediate section, and rear section with a concave portion. This segmentation allows the tip to be designed with varying material distributions, concentrating material where needed for adapter protection while reducing material in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If existing wear indicators are used, then wear can be identified, but the adapter is not adequately protected from wear or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear detection capabilityVSAvoidadapter protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tip is designed with a concave rear portion that proactively protects the adapter before significant wear occurs. This preliminary protective feature prevents excessive wear and damage to the adapter, addressing the reliability concern before wear indicators can detect problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The concave rear portion of the tip acts as an intermediary protective element between the tip and adapter. It absorbs and distributes wear forces, protecting the adapter from direct contact damage while allowing wear indicators to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250003203A1Implement tip assembly having tip with support rib

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A ground engaging tip of a ground engaging tip assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to the base edge of the implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. The ground engaging tip has a rear edge, a top outer surface, and a bottom outer surface. The top and bottom outer surfaces extend forward from the rear edge and converge at a front edge of the ground engaging tip. The tip has first and second side outer surfaces extending forward from the rear edge of the ground engaging tip to the front edge. The tip has a nose cavity for receiving the adapter nose therein. The tip has a support rib on at least one of the first or second side outer surfaces, the support rib being positioned at the rear edge and extending lengthwise from the bottom outer surface toward the top outer surface.