Handling System for Earthworking Wear Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal and installation of ground-engaging wear parts on earth working equipment are hazardous and inefficient due to the large, heavy, and unwieldy nature of these parts, as well as adverse environmental conditions, which pose risks to workers and increase maintenance time and machine downtime.

Innovation Solution

A handling system comprising a manipulator with a handling tool and a controller that uses movable arms and support mechanisms to grip, release, and position wear parts, allowing for safe and quick removal and installation, and includes a plurality of discrete handling tools and a crane for versatile operation in various conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If wear parts are made large and heavy to perform ground-engaging functions, then they can effectively break up ground and protect equipment, but they become difficult and hazardous to lift, hold, and manipulate during removal and installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear part weightVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A handling tool serves as an intermediary device between the manipulator and the wear part. The handling tool includes a support that engages the front portion of the wear part and arms that grip the rear portion, allowing safe manipulation of heavy wear parts without direct worker contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by workers is replaced with an automated manipulator system that uses hydraulic or electric actuators to position and manipulate the handling tool and wear part, eliminating the need for workers to physically lift and move heavy components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If traditional manual handling methods are used with heavy gloves and simple tools, then equipment complexity is reduced, but worker safety is compromised and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling system complexityVSAvoidworker safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator system is designed to perform multiple functions including gripping the wear part, positioning it, and facilitating its removal and installation. The handling tool integrates multiple functions (support, gripping arms, engagement features) into a single versatile device that works with various wear part geometries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables workers to operate from a safe distance without direct contact with heavy wear parts. The manipulator and handling tool work together to self-manage the heavy lifting and positioning tasks, requiring minimal direct worker intervention and eliminating exposure to hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If wear parts are secured with complex locking mechanisms to ensure stability, then they can withstand heavy loading, but the removal and installation process becomes more time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear part securing strengthVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handling tool is pre-configured with supports and gripping arms positioned to engage specific features of the wear part and its locking mechanism. This preliminary positioning allows the manipulator to efficiently manipulate the lock and remove or install the wear part in a systematic sequence, reducing overall maintenance time despite the complexity of the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If workers manually handle wear parts in adverse environmental conditions, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the risk of injury is significantly exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidenvironmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manipulator system serves as an intermediary that isolates workers from adverse environmental conditions. Workers operate the manipulator from a protected position while the handling tool and manipulator expose themselves to the environmental hazards (extreme temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, darkness) during the wear part replacement operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual worker operations are replaced with an automated or remotely-controlled manipulator system that can operate in adverse environmental conditions without affecting worker safety. The mechanical system is unaffected by extreme heat, cold, precipitation, or darkness, and workers are not exposed to these conditions during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3469153B1Handling system for ground-engaging wear parts secured to earth working equipment

Publication Date: 2024.08.07 ESCO GROUP LLC

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Figure 2B

AI summary

A handling system for handling ground-engaging wear parts used on earth working equipment includes handling tools to remove and handle wear parts from equipment and/or to install new wear parts. The tools can include a torque or other tool to engage and/or disengage a lock retained by the wear member. The handling system allows an operator maintain a distance from heavy parts being removed or installed, reducing the risk of injury.