U-Shaped Retainer Assembly for Earthmoving Wear Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wear elements in earthmoving machines face challenges in secure, easy, and cost-effective assembly and disassembly, with a need for reliable retaining devices that prevent movement and deformation under mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped retainer with fixing means allows for removable attachment of wear elements, featuring a retainer that can rotate and move transversally to the longitudinal axis, secured by a plug made of elastomeric material, limiting excessive rotation and preventing longitudinal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin is used to mechanically fix the wear element to the support element, then the assembly is easier and faster to replace, but the pin may move or come out of place leading to loss or breakage of the wear element
Solution Approach 1:
A retainer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pin and the wear element/support element. The retainer has a first end that contacts the pin and a second end that is retained by the wear element or support element, thereby preventing the pin from moving or coming out of place while maintaining the mechanical fixation advantage
2Reliability
If a retainer is used to retain the pin, then the pin is prevented from moving, but the retainer may deform or break under mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move transversally to the longitudinal axis and rotate about an axis of rotation. This dynamic design enables the retainer to accompany the movement of the pin and the wear element relative to the support element, preventing deformation or breaking under mechanical stress while maintaining reliable pin retention
3Reliability
If the retainer is fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then the pin is securely retained, but the retainer deforms or breaks under working loads
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move transversally to the longitudinal axis and rotate about an axis of rotation. This dynamic design enables the retainer to accompany the movement of the pin and the wear element relative to the support element, preventing deformation or breaking under mechanical stress while maintaining reliable pin retention
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 solution provides a robust, compact, and low-weight assembly that withstands mechanical stress while allowing easy insertion and removal of pins, reducing plastic deformation and ensuring secure retention.
Implementation Method 1
secured by a plug made of elastomeric material, limiting excessive rotation and preventing longitudinal movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Wear element and support element of an earthmoving machine. The wear element (1) is assembled on a support element (2), said wear element (1) or said support element (2) comprising a cavity (4) wherein in said assembled position, a nose (6) present in the other one of said wear element (1) and support element (2) is housed in said cavity (4). The wear element or the support element comprises a retaining device (18) which, in turn, comprises a retainer (20) and fixing means (22). The retainer (20) is U-shaped and retains a pin (14) in a nose opening (12) and a through opening (10) in said assembled position, and the fixing means (22) are suitable for fixing the retainer (20) to the respective wear element (1) or support element (2).