Tool Bit Retention Plate for Multi-Angle Blade Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retention systems for tool bits on motor grader blades face challenges in allowing various orientations relative to the machine's direction of travel, leading to increased wear and interference with mounting hardware, especially when angled, and require frequent replacement due to tooth wear.

Innovation Solution

A retention system featuring tool bits with a shank portion, working portion, and orientation plate that allows for multiple orientations and reduces wear by using anti-rotation features and adjustable angles, enhancing penetration and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tool bits are oriented at various angles relative to the direction of travel, then penetration capability is improved, but mounting hardware interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation rangeVSAvoidmounting hardware interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-hole is positioned to pass through the width of the front working region rather than through the center of the shank, creating an offset retention system that allows tool bits to be oriented at various angles without the mounting hardware interfering with the upper adapter attachment portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-hole serves as an intermediary retention feature that decouples the mounting hardware from the upper adapter attachment portion, allowing the tool bit to rotate and orient at different angles without the hardware interfering with the adapter board

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional retention systems are used, then tool bits can be attached, but tooth wear increases frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment retentionVSAvoidtool bit lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-hole is pre-positioned in the shank portion to provide inherent anti-rotation capability before the tool bit is fully installed, preventing excessive rotation and wear during operation and extending the service life of the tool bit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If anti-rotation features are added, then tool bit orientation is controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-rotation controlVSAvoidretention system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-hole is integrated into the existing shank portion of the tool bit, combining the retention and anti-rotation functions into a single structural feature rather than adding separate components, thereby maintaining simplicity while providing orientation control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12601159B2Retention system for attaching tool bits to a blade assembly

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

An orientation plate comprises a rectangular body defining a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a first end surface, a second end surface, and a thickness that is the minimum dimension of the body, and a plurality of apertures extending through the thickness of the body, each aperture defining a perimeter having at least one orientation flat.