Torque Element Absorbing Shear Forces in Bucket Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket designs for loading machines face challenges with wear and tear, particularly due to the deflection of bucket fronts under load, which leads to increased torque and spot loads on coupling pins, resulting in fatigue failure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a torque element with sloping faces that absorb radial forces, allowing the screw connection to be subjected only to axial forces, thereby reducing the need for larger screws and simplifying the attachment process without welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling pins form a rigid connection between bucket front and side element, then connection strength is improved, but torque and spot loads increase leading to fatigue failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid coupling pin connection is segmented into two functional parts: the coupling pin provides shear resistance while the torque element absorbs bending moments and radial forces. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific loads independently, preventing stress concentration and fatigue failure in the coupling pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque element acts as an intermediary component between the bucket front and side element. It intercepts and absorbs torque and radial forces before they can be transmitted to the coupling pin, thereby protecting the coupling pin from excessive loading and fatigue.
2Strength
If larger screws are used to absorb shear forces, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque element serves as a mediator that absorbs shear forces and radial loads through its sloping faces. This prevents these forces from being transmitted to the screw connection, allowing the use of simpler, smaller screws that only need to handle axial tension loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw connection is designed with localized functionality, where screws only provide axial clamping force while the torque element handles shear and radial loads. This division of functional quality allows optimization of each component for its specific load type, reducing overall system complexity.
3Strength
If welding is used to attach bucket elements, then connection strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical screw connection system. This substitution maintains connection strength through friction and clamping forces while enabling easy assembly and disassembly without thermal processes, improving both manufacturing ease and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a permanent welded joint to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection. The screw connection can be tightened to achieve desired clamping force and can be easily loosened for maintenance or replacement, providing operational flexibility.
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
This solution reduces the risk of fatigue failure in coupling pins, allows for the use of smaller and simpler tools for assembly and disassembly, and extends the lifespan of bucket components by minimizing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
The screw connection is arranged to receive an axial preload force. The friction that arises between the torque element and the bucket element in bucket portion will counteract a radial force component that may arise during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A bucket portion is for a loading-machine bucket and has at least two bucket elements. One of the bucket elements has a cut-out. The bucket portion also has a torque element for absorbing shear forces in a screw connection, the torque element having a first side and an elevation protruding from the first side. The elevation has a base contour and a smaller top contour. A sloping face is between the base contour and the top contour. The elevation has a height axis which is perpendicular to the base contour. The elevation is positioned in a cut-out in the bucket element and receives the screw connection for the torque element to be attached to the bucket element. The torque element or the bucket element has an internally threaded portion for the screw connection, and connects a first respective bucket element with a second respective bucket element.