Central-Locking Multi-Coupler for Clean Agricultural Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-clutch devices for agricultural machines are prone to contamination and wear due to their exposed components, which can lead to increased coupling times and incorrect connections.

Innovation Solution

A multi-clutch device with a centrally arranged locking element and centering elements that reduce contamination risk and wear by ensuring even force transmission and precise alignment, featuring a compact design with fewer protruding components and a sealing mechanism to prevent dirt entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If locking flanges are arranged on the outer sides of the first coupling part, then the locking device can be operated, but the device is exposed to heavy loads from dust, soil, and crop material causing contamination and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device operationVSAvoidcontamination from dust, soil, crop material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is inverted from the conventional outer side arrangement to a central arrangement within the first coupling part. This inversion protects the locking mechanism from external contamination while maintaining its locking function. The actuating means remains accessible on the outer side for operation, but the critical locking components are shielded in the center.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is nested within the first coupling part rather than being exposed on the outer surface. The actuating means is positioned on the outer side and transmits force through the coupling part to the centrally located locking element, creating a nested arrangement where the critical component is protected inside while the operating interface remains accessible outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If locking flanges are arranged on the outer sides of the first coupling part, then the locking device can be operated, but the design becomes less compact with components protruding beyond edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device operationVSAvoidcompactness of coupling device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element and first coupling part are merged into a single integrated component rather than being separate external parts. This merging eliminates the need for protruding locking flanges and reduces the overall volume of the coupling device while maintaining the locking function through the centrally arranged locking element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If locking flanges are arranged on the outer sides of the first coupling part, then the locking device can be operated, but the holding force is not transmitted evenly across the contact surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device operationVSAvoidevenness of force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating means applies force to the centrally arranged locking element, which then distributes the holding force evenly across the contact surfaces of both coupling parts before locking occurs. This preliminary centralized force application ensures uniform stress distribution across the entire contact area, preventing localized stress concentrations that would occur with outer side locking flanges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4494434A1Multi-coupler device for an agricultural machine

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a multi-coupling device for an agricultural machine, wherein the multi-coupling device has a first coupling part (1) and a second coupling part (19) connectable to the first coupling part (1), wherein a locking device is arranged on the first coupling part (1) to lock the two coupling parts (1, 19) which are in contact with each other with their contact surfaces (21, 22) in a locking position, wherein the locking device has a locking element (5) arranged centrally in the first coupling part (1) which is movable relative to the first coupling part (1) and which can be brought into engagement with the second coupling part (19) in the locking position.