Trip Mechanism for Ground Working Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trip mechanisms for ground working tools are prone to damage from debris, have issues with dirt and corrosion due to exposure, and lack adjustable trip-out force, leading to increased maintenance and costs, especially with hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A trip mechanism featuring a hydraulic cylinder with a piston and link rod, where the link rod is adjustable and has a smaller diameter than the piston, allowing for easy adjustment and protection from debris, with a snap ring to retain the piston and a coupling assembly to connect the link rod to the carrier, enabling self-alignment and reduced exposure to dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If springs are fully exposed to the elements for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dirt accumulation, rust, and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The trip mechanism is nested within the protective housing structure. The housing encloses the trip mechanism components while providing access points for operation and maintenance, effectively protecting internal components from environmental damage while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as a protective shell that encloses the trip mechanism. This housing structure shields the internal components from dirt, moisture, and corrosion while allowing controlled access for operation and maintenance activities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic cylinders are used with variable pressure adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trip mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters that allow dynamic adaptation to different field conditions. The ability to adjust trip-out force and other parameters enables the system to adapt to varying operational requirements without requiring a completely complex hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter adjustment including trip-out force and other operational parameters. This enables adaptability to different field conditions while avoiding the need for overly complex hydraulic systems by using adjustable parameters within a simpler mechanical framework.
3Ease of manufacture
If single acting cylinders are used to control costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to overpressure conditions requiring manual recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The trip mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and self-resetting. The system automatically manages its own operation and recovery without requiring manual intervention for pressure recharging or other maintenance tasks, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping manufacturing costs controlled.
4Reliability
If cylinders are oriented vertically to prevent dust build-up, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required adjustment systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is nested within the housing structure, which provides protection from dust and debris. This nested arrangement maintains reliability by protecting the cylinder while eliminating the need for complex adjustment systems to maintain vertical orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as a protective shell that encloses the cylinder, preventing dust and debris from contacting the cylinder surfaces. This protective enclosure maintains cylinder reliability without requiring complex adjustment systems to maintain specific orientations.
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 mechanism effectively protects the tool and trip mechanism from damage, allows for easy adjustment and maintenance, and reduces costs by minimizing exposure to harsh conditions and simplifying the design, while maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic cylinder including a barrel connected at a first end to the frame and a piston having a piston head and a piston shaft. The piston is configured to be slidably received through a second end of the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a ground working tool having attached thereto an implement includes a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a generally horizontally oriented hydraulic cylinder configured to be biased into an extended position to engage the implement in a work position engaged to work the ground. Specifically, a link rod connects the hydraulic cylinder to a carrier to which the implement is attached. The link rod can be adjusted in length and has a generally small diameter, such that, upon extending into hydraulic cylinder when the implement impacts an obstruction, the link rod does not contact the hydraulic cylinder.