Adapter Bracket Geometry for Variable Tool Pin Diameters and Spans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin grabber couplers face difficulties in accommodating work tools with varying pin diameters and pin spans due to manufacturer-specific differences, necessitating adapters for effective coupling.
Innovation Solution
An adapter bracket with a tool interface and arm interface, featuring multiple pin openings and configurations (multi-radii, span channels, and clamps) to securely engage linkage pins of different dimensions, allowing universal attachment to various work tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pin grabber coupler is used, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate work tools with varying pin diameters and pin spans
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter bracket is designed with multiple pin openings of different diameters and span channels of varying lengths, enabling a single device to accommodate multiple pin configurations from different tool manufacturers. This multi-functional design allows the coupler to universally interface with various work tools without requiring multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter bracket segments the pin reception areas into distinct openings and channels, each optimized for specific pin diameters and spans. This segmentation allows selective engagement with different pin configurations while maintaining structural integrity and proper load distribution across the coupler body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different pin configurations, then compatibility with various tools is achieved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple adapter functions into a single bracket design with varied pin openings and span channels, the system eliminates the need to swap between multiple specialized adapters when changing tools. The universal adapter bracket remains on the implement arm and simply reconfigures to accommodate different pin arrangements, dramatically reducing tool changeover time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pin opening dimensions are fixed, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability to different pin diameters and spans is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating one precision opening that must fit all pin sizes, the adapter bracket segments pin reception into multiple specialized openings, each with precise dimensions optimized for specific pin diameters. This segmentation allows each opening to be manufactured with high precision for its intended purpose while the overall device accommodates multiple pin configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adapter bracket have locally optimized pin openings with specific dimensional characteristics suited for particular pin sizes and spans. Each local area maintains high manufacturing precision for its specific function, while the collection of locally optimized regions provides overall adaptability to various pin configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter bracket can releasably couple a work tool having a connection interface with first and second linkage pins to an implement arm on a work machine. The adapter bracket can include an upper arm interface and a lower tool interface. The tool interface can include a first or forward pin opening to receive the first linkage pin and a second or rearward pin opening to receive the second linkage pin. The first pin opening can be a multi-radii pin opening for linkage pins of different pin diameters and the second pin opening can be a span channel for different pin spans.