Tool Bit Assembly With Stepped Washer Preventing Fines Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mining and construction tools with hardened steel bodies and carbide tips wear down quickly due to fines accumulation between mating surfaces, inhibiting free rotation and reducing tool life.
Innovation Solution
A tool bit assembly featuring a shank with a washer that includes multiple steps and radiused passages to securely engage the tool portion, preventing fines from entering and allowing for free rotation, thereby reducing wear and extending tool life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a free rotation of the tool is desired to prolong the life of tools, then tool life is improved, but fines accumulate between mating surfaces which inhibits rotation and reduces tool life
Solution Approach 1:
A washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the tool shank and the tool holder. The washer includes a body with a hollow shaft that receives the shank, and the washer body acts as a barrier preventing fines from entering the interface between the shank and tool holder, thereby maintaining free rotation and extending tool life
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the tool rotates freely to reduce wear on the base sleeve or block, then wear is reduced, but fines prevent free rotation occurring
Solution Approach 1:
The washer serves as a mediator component that allows free rotation to occur while simultaneously preventing fines from contaminating the mating surfaces. The hollow shaft of the washer receives the rotating shank, and the washer body blocks fine particles from entering the interface, thus maintaining both ease of rotation and wear reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A tool bit assembly includes a shank having an elongated shaft, an intermediate portion extending from the shaft, a head extending from the intermediate portion, and a tool portion extending from the head. The assembly includes a retainer with a body defining a hollow shaft configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated shaft of the shank therethrough, and a washer defining an opening extending from a first end to a second end of the washer, and the washer having at least a first step and a second step. The opening of the washer is configured to receive at least a portion of the intermediate portion of the shank therethrough. The first step is configured to abut a bottom surface of the head of the shank, and the second step is configured to abut a first shoulder of the intermediate portion of the shank.