Quick-Change Coupler Catch Hook for Safer Attachment Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change coupler devices require precise positioning and are prone to damage from improper use, leading to safety concerns and the need for replacing the entire carrier assembly when the hook assembly is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A swivel-mounted catch hook with a control member actuated by the coupling member, allowing independent movement between folded-in and folded-out positions, ensuring secure attachment and easy replacement of the catch hook without requiring additional drives or replacing the entire carrier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hook assembly is integrally formed with the carrier assembly, then safety is improved, but device complexity and replacement cost increase when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrier assembly into separable components: the hook assembly is made detachable from the carrier assembly through a mounting structure with receiving bores and mounting pins. This allows the hook assembly to be replaced independently without replacing the entire carrier assembly, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining safety functionality.
2Device complexity
If the catch hook is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but collision risk with implement attachments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch hook is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of swiveling between a folded-in position (reducing collision risk) and a folded-out position (for coupling operations). The control member actuates this movement, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically based on operational needs.
3Ease of operation
If additional control devices are added to move the catch hook, then operational control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control member is actuated automatically by the first coupling member during the coupling process. As the coupling member engages with the receiving member, it naturally actuates the control member to move the catch hook into the folded-out position, eliminating the need for separate control devices or additional operational steps.
4Reliability
If the catch hook is made robust for safety, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair decreases when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable mounting structure allows the robust catch hook assembly to be replaced as a separate component without replacing the entire carrier assembly. The mounting pins and receiving bores enable quick detachment and replacement, maintaining safety while significantly improving ease of repair compared to an integral design.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-change coupler device for coupling and uncoupling implement attachments to and from construction site equipment includes a carrier assembly, first receiving members disposed on one side of the carrier assembly for receiving a first coupling member, second receiving members disposed on the other side of the carrier assembly for receiving a second coupling member, a locking unit dedicated to the second receiving members and capable of moving between a release position and a locking position, and a catch unit disposed on the carrier assembly for catching the implement attachment. To simplify coupling and to ensure an increased safety level, the catch unit comprises at least one catch hook swivel-mounted on the carrier assembly and a control unit controls swivel of the catch hook between a folded-in and a folded-out position. The control unit is actuated by the first coupling member and is actuated independently of the locking unit.