Automatic Quick Hitch Coupler Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick hitch couplers for excavators require human intervention to activate safety features, leading to potential accidental tool release and safety risks, as operators often fail to follow the necessary procedures for safe tool changeovers.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic quick hitch coupler system that activates safety features automatically during tool coupling, using a gravity-operated or hydraulically/pneumatically operated locking mechanism to secure the tool pin, ensuring it cannot be accidentally released unless a predefined sequence is followed, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a semi-automatic coupler with mechanical blocking pin is used, then safety against accidental tool release is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means automatically activates the safety feature without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting tool coupling and automatically engaging the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to manually insert blocking pins while maintaining safety against accidental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety feature is activated in advance automatically when tool coupling is detected. The locking means engages the blocking mechanism before any potential accidental release can occur, preparing the safety state proactively rather than requiring reactive manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a fully automatic safety system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating manual intervention, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects tool coupling and activates the locking means without external intervention. The coupler self-monitors its state and autonomously engages safety features, achieving full automation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through self-servicing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety activation function is merged with the tool coupling operation itself. The same mechanical interaction that couples the tool also triggers the safety feature, combining two functions into one integrated mechanism rather than adding separate complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional quick hitch couplers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens due to potential accidental tool drops
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means uses a simple, robust mechanical blocking mechanism that can be designed as a straightforward component without complex electronics or control systems. This keeps the added complexity minimal while providing reliable safety protection against accidental tool release.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety locking feature is activated automatically in advance when tool coupling occurs. By preparing the safety state proactively during the coupling process itself, the system prevents accidental releases without requiring complex post-coupling monitoring or control mechanisms.
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
The automatic safety mechanism enhances operational safety by preventing accidental tool drops and ensuring that tools are securely attached and detached following a controlled process, reducing the risk of damage or injury and improving efficiency by streamlining the tool changeover process.
Implementation Method 1
the locking means is movable within the through bore or slot of the latching means by an applied contact force
Implementation Method 2
the locking means is gravity operated
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick hitch coupler (1) having an arrangement for releasably coupling a tool such as an excavator tool to the quick hitch coupler (1). The arrangement for releasably coupling the tool to the quick hitch coupler (1) has tool pin engaging members (4) on spaced apart portions of the main body (213) of the quick hitch coupler (1). One of the tool pin engaging members (4) has an associated latching member (7) movably mounted on the main body (213) of the quick hitch coupler (1) between a tool pin locking position and a tool pin releasing position. The latching member (7) has a lock (9) movably mounted on the latching member (7) for locking a tool pin onto the latching member quick hitch coupler (1) in normal use.