Bucket Design:

The bucket is the simplest yet most essential component of LHD machines. The
three main functions of the bucket are loading, carrying and dumping waste
material. Therefore, it is vital to consider design principles and material to ensure
increased efficiency of the bucket.
For the prototype, we have chosen to 3D print the bucket as it is very economical
and also provides greater reliability. The sustainable material used for the bucket is
2mm thick polymer. However for the real life LHD, the material used for the bucket
must be stronger to sustain damages from underground mines.
The scaled up bucket will have a smooth finished back, this allows better positioning
of the z-bars and also prevents any damage. The curved surface of the bucket
ensures the loaded material is cradled nicely. The advantage of this bucket over a
square based bucket is that it only required 45 degree tilting motion when dumping
collected material. A smooth gradient is applied to the cutting edge of the bucket to
allow better penetration, resulting in increased production rate and increased
efficiency. The design incorporates slim profile that allows better penetration and
also reduced maintenance cost. The larger scaled buckets combine shrouds to the
corners of the bucket prevents damages and also provide safer handling during
installation.
The real scale buckets are customized to suit the underground requirements. The
results from the feasibility calculations were used to finalize the overall dimensions
of the bucket.