Construction Equipment Attachment With Quick-Change Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machine attachments require complex and time-consuming tool changes, leading to long stoppage times and a large fleet of machines with multiple attachments, which increases storage, logistics, and costs.
Innovation Solution
An attachment design featuring a frame with a coupling unit, pivotable tool parts, and a tool drive connected via link devices, where the pin of the joint can be removed using a pin drive, allowing for easy and quick tool changes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the whole attachment is changed to replace tools, then the tool can be optimized for specific tasks, but the stoppage time increases and the fleet of machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into modular components: a reusable frame/attachment body and interchangeable tool parts. The tool parts can be quickly swapped while the frame remains attached to the implement, allowing tool optimization without complete attachment replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint pin is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the tool parts. This mechanical dynamic system allows rapid tool changes during operation without manual intervention, reducing stoppage time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the whole attachment is changed, then different tasks can be performed, but the storage outlay and logistics outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single attachment frame can accommodate multiple different tool parts through the interchangeable joint pin mechanism. This universal frame design allows one attachment to perform multiple tasks by simply changing the tool parts, reducing the need to maintain a large fleet of specialized attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the frame from the tool parts, the system enables a single frame to work with multiple tool types. This segmentation reduces the total number of attachments that need to be stored and managed while maintaining versatility across different construction tasks.
3Ease of operation
If tool parts are made detachable, then tool changes become simpler, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The joint pin provides a reliable mechanical connection that can be dynamically locked or unlocked. When locked, it provides secure attachment; when unlocked, it enables quick release. This dynamic locking mechanism ensures connection reliability during operation while maintaining ease of tool changes when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint pin acts as an intermediary element between the tool parts and the frame. It provides a standardized interface that ensures reliable connection while enabling easy detachment. The pin mediates between the need for secure attachment and the need for easy tool changes.
4Device complexity
If manual pin removal is used, then the structure is simpler, but the tool change time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin drive mechanism enables the system to remove the pin automatically without manual intervention. The pin can be actuated by the tool drive system itself or by hydraulic/pneumatic systems, allowing self-service pin removal that reduces tool change time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical pin removal is replaced with automated mechanical or hydraulic/pneumatic actuation. The pin drive can be actuated by the existing tool drive system or by separate hydraulic/pneumatic systems, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical systems to reduce tool change time.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment (14), in particular for construction equipment, comprising a frame (16) that can be attached via a coupling unit (21) to an implement (10) or an equipment carrier (12) of an implement (10); a tool (18) having two tool parts (22, 23); a joint (26) that is provided on the frame (16) and has a pin (28) on which the tool parts (22, 23) of the tool (18) can be pivotably mounted relative to one another; and a tool drive (20) attached to the frame (16) for moving at least one of the tool parts (22, 23) relative to the frame (16). Furthermore, the tool drive (20) is connected to the frame (16) via at least one first link device (34), and is connected to the tool parts (22, 23) via at least one second link device (36). For a quick and easy tool change, the tool parts (22, 23) are detachably connected to the tool drive (20) via the at least second link device (36) on the one hand, and on the other hand, the pin (28) of the joint (26) can at least partially be removed from the joint (26) due to a pin drive (42) provided on the frame (16) in order to be able to remove the tool parts (22, 23) from the joint (26).