Automatic Coupling Assembly for Tractor Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for connecting towed implements to prime movers, such as tractors, require manual operation for securing hydraulic couplers, making quick and easy connection and disconnection difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a pivotally mounted lever member with a locking recess and a latch member that automatically engages a lock pin as the coupler frame moves towards the manifold, allowing for automatic mechanical locking of hydraulic couplers using a conventional pickup hitch, enabling quick and easy connection and disconnection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external locking lever is used to mechanically lock hydraulic couplers, then the coupling is secure, but the operation becomes manual and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is automatically actuated by the movement of the coupler frame toward the manifold during the coupling process. The latch wall engages the latch pin, which pivots the lever member to move the locking recess into engagement with the lock pin, all without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains secure mechanical locking while eliminating manual operation requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is required for securing hydraulic couplers, then the locking mechanism can be simple, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is pre-positioned with the latch wall facing the latch pin. As the coupler frame moves toward the manifold, the latch wall automatically engages the latch pin in advance, initiating the locking sequence before the coupling is fully established. This preliminary action enables rapid automatic locking without requiring complex mechanisms or additional time.
3Productivity
If automatic locking is implemented, then the connection speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever member serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot element on the pivot pin, provides the locking recess for engagement with the lock pin, and transmits motion through its arms to actuate the latch mechanism. The latch member similarly serves as both a positioning element and a locking actuator. This multi-functionality achieves automatic locking with minimal components, increasing connection speed without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic and secure connection of flat face hydraulic quick couplers, reducing the effort required for securing hydraulic couplers between a tractor and an implement, allowing for efficient and rapid attachment and detachment of towed implements.
Implementation Method 1
The latch wall engages the latch pin, pivots the lever member and moves the latch pin into the slot as the coupler frame moves towards the manifold
Implementation Method 2
The second arm moves to a locking position wherein the locking recess receives the lock pin as the lever member is pivoted by the latch member
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling assembly (10) for coupling a towed implement to a prime mover comprises a manifold (12) which can be mounted to the prime mover, and a coupler frame (16) which can be mounted to the implement. A pivot pin (42) projects laterally from a side of the manifold (12). A lever member (44) is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin (42). The lever member (44) has a hub (46) which rotatably receives the pivot pin (42), a first arm (48) projecting away from the hub (46), a second arm (50) projecting away from the hub (46), a latch pin (52) projecting laterally away from the first arm (48), and a locking recess (58) formed by the second arm (50). A lock pin (71) projects laterally and is supported by the coupler frame (16). A latch member (60) is fixed to the coupler frame (16). The latch member (60) has a body (62), a latch finger (64) spaced apart from the body (62), and a spacer (66) connecting the latch finger (64) to the body (62). The body (62), the latch finger (64) and the spacer (66) form a slot (68) therebetween. The body (62) forms a slot wall (70) which is spaced apart from the latch finger (64) and which faces the latch finger (64). The body (62) also forms a latch wall (72) which is joined to the slot wall (70). The latch wall (72) engages the latch pin (52), pivots the lever member (44) and moves the latch pin (52) into the slot (68) as the coupler frame (16) moves towards the manifold (12). The second arm (50) moves to a locking position wherein the locking recess (58) receives the lock pin (71) as the lever member (44) is pivoted by the latch member (60).