Project number
16029
Organization
Caterpillar Inc.
Academic year
2016-2017
The project’s objective is to design a mechanism for changing ground-engaging tools used on earth-moving equipment. A ground-engaging tool is the removable edge on the bottom of the blade of a machine such as a bulldozer.
These edges are designed to wear and to be replaceable so the blade lasts longer. Key design requirements are safety and ease of replacement. The mechanism designed attaches to a forklift and the edges are held in clamps designed for three edge types.
The clamps can be rotated about a rod using a manual gearbox, which allows the new edge to be oriented at the correct angle for attachment to the machine. The gearbox has a ratio of 50:1 for ease of rotation, and the mechanism is made out of 1020 steel for safety.
These edges are designed to wear and to be replaceable so the blade lasts longer. Key design requirements are safety and ease of replacement. The mechanism designed attaches to a forklift and the edges are held in clamps designed for three edge types.
The clamps can be rotated about a rod using a manual gearbox, which allows the new edge to be oriented at the correct angle for attachment to the machine. The gearbox has a ratio of 50:1 for ease of rotation, and the mechanism is made out of 1020 steel for safety.