Automatic Excavator Coupler With Gravity Blocking Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator couplers are often manual or semi-automatic, requiring operator intervention for attachment and detachment, and lack secondary locking mechanisms to prevent incorrect usage and inadvertent release of accessories.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic coupler with integrated back-up operator control mechanisms, featuring a hydraulic-powered latching system and a gravity-actuated blocking bar, which ensures secure attachment and release of accessories without manual intervention and prevents accidental disengagement through secondary locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or semi-automatic couplers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to requiring operator intervention for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler system performs attachment and detachment operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The hydraulic actuator operates the latching mechanisms autonomously based on control signals, enabling the system to serve itself in completing the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic actuator converts fluid pressure into mechanical motion to operate the latching mechanisms, substituting the need for manual mechanical manipulation and improving operational ease.
2Reliability
If secondary locking mechanisms are added to prevent incorrect usage, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking bar is positioned in advance to prevent the latching mechanism from moving into an incorrect or unsafe position. This preventive measure is built into the system design to cushion against potential errors before they can occur, enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking bar acts as an intermediary element between the latching mechanism and its movement path. It mediates the motion by physically blocking certain positions, thereby preventing incorrect operation without requiring complex control systems.
3Productivity
If fully automatic operation is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity and risk of accidental release increase without backup mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking bar prevents the latching mechanism from moving into unsafe positions accidentally. This preventive measure is built into the system design to cushion against potential errors before they can occur, enhancing reliability while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler system performs attachment and detachment operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The hydraulic actuator operates the latching mechanisms autonomously based on control signals, enabling the system to serve itself in completing the coupling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for receiving first and second pins of an accessory. A first latching mechanism is associated with a first jaw, having an arm connected to and extending away from a latching member thereof, and a second latching mechanism is associated with a second jaw, the first and second latching mechanisms adapted to latch the first and second pins of an accessory in or on the first jaw and the second jaw, respectively. The second latching mechanism is powered for movement between a latching position and a non-latching position. The first latching mechanism is connected to, or connectable with, the second latching mechanism to allow operation of the second latching mechanism selectively to operate the first latching mechanism between its own latching and non-latching positions by means of a groove or flange or finger provided on the second latching mechanism.