Working Device Release Screw for Predictable Axial Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tillage machines face challenges in securely and easily attaching and detaching working devices like milling rollers due to unpredictable axial position protection mechanisms, which are prone to misalignment and require high torque tools, making them cumbersome and unsafe for operation.

Innovation Solution

A tillage machine design featuring a screw torque support arrangement that utilizes the drive formation's rotational power to apply high tightening and loosening torques to the central screw assembly, eliminating the need for external tools and ensuring secure axial position protection with a screw torque support system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a threaded rod and locking nut are used to secure the working device axially, then the working device can be attached to the drive assembly, but the locking effect becomes unpredictable and the mechanism is prone to loosening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking effectVSAvoidpredictability of locking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive assembly itself performs the tightening function by applying tightening torque through its rotation, eliminating the need for external tools and ensuring consistent, predictable locking without relying on operator skill or external equipment availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tightening function is merged with the drive assembly's rotational motion, so that the same component that transmits drive torque also applies the tightening torque to the central screw arrangement, creating a unified system that improves reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If high tightening torque is applied to secure the working device, then axial position protection is improved, but external torque tools are required making the operation cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial position protectionVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive assembly serves dual purposes: transmitting drive torque to the working device and simultaneously applying tightening torque to the central screw arrangement, eliminating the need for external torque tools and simplifying operation while maintaining high tightening torque for reliable axial position protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The drive assembly is designed with multi-functionality, performing both the primary function of driving the working device and the secondary function of tightening the central screw arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for separate tools and improving operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a threaded rod and locking nut arrangement is used, then the working device can be secured axially, but the mechanism requires multiple components increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial position lockingVSAvoidscrew assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rod is extracted from the system and replaced by utilizing the drive assembly's own structure to apply tightening torque directly to the central screw arrangement, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall screw assembly structure while maintaining reliable axial position locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3636838B1Soil working machine and method for pressing a working device of a soil working machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP3636838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Soil cultivation machine (10), such as a road milling machine, a recycler, a stabilizer or a surface miner, wherein the soil cultivation machine comprises: a machine body (13) with a machine frame (12) and a drive assembly (46) that can be driven to rotate about a drive axis (A) relative to the machine frame, wherein the drive axis defines an axial direction, a working device (32; 132; 232) for soil cultivation, with which the drive assembly (46; 146; 246) is detachably connected to transmit a drive torque for common rotation, wherein the working device extends axially between a drive axial end (32a) and a locking axial end (32b) opposite the drive axial end and radially surrounds the drive assembly of the soil cultivation machine, wherein the soil cultivation machine comprises a release component (88) as a screw arrangement that is screw-movable relative to the drive assembly,wherein the release component comprises: a cooperation formation (88a) for engagement with a drive formation (74e) of a centering component (74) of the working device, a contact section (88d) for exerting axial force on the drive formation, and a torque transmission formation (88b) for torque-transmitting engagement with a torque tool, wherein the centering component has a central passage (74d) through which the drive formation can be accessed, wherein the centering component has the drive formation at an axial distance in the direction away from the drive formation, by means of which the release component can be driven towards the drive formation under axial force support on the centering component; and a method for releasing a working device of a soil cultivation machine.