Quick Coupler Catch Hook Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick couplers require active operator intervention to activate safety devices, and when these devices fail, they can lead to costly repairs or replacement of the entire carrier due to improper use or material failure.

Innovation Solution

A quick coupler with a non-destructively detachable catch hook connected to the carrier, designed to catch attachments independently of operator control, allowing for easy replacement and protection against improper loads, ensuring increased safety and reducing damage to the carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a safety device with hook assembly is integrally formed with the carrier, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates because damage to the hook assembly requires replacement of the entire carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidreplacement effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The catch device is segmented into a separate catch hook assembly that can be independently removed from the carrier. The catch hook assembly includes a support with a hook assembly that can be detached without replacing the entire carrier, allowing selective replacement of only the damaged component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch device is extracted from the integral structure of the carrier and designed as a separable assembly. The support with hook assembly can be removed from the carrier through a non-destructive detachable connection, enabling independent maintenance and repair of the catch device without affecting the carrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If the catch device is integrally formed with the carrier, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the loss of substance increases because improper loading damages the entire carrier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The catch device is segmented into a separate catch hook assembly that can be independently removed from the carrier. The catch hook assembly includes a support with a hook assembly that can be detached without replacing the entire carrier, allowing selective replacement of only the damaged component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch hook assembly is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when damaged by improper use. Instead of damaging the expensive carrier, the cheaper catch hook assembly serves as a sacrificial component that protects the carrier from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a non-destructively detachable connection is used between the support and carrier, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the strength may be reduced compared to integral formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support is designed with a connection structure that prepares for detachable attachment to the carrier. The non-destructively detachable connection is pre-configured with appropriate mounting features that ensure both ease of assembly and sufficient connection strength for the intended application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3502357B1Quick changer
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 OILQUICK DEUT KG
  • EP3502357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3502357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3502357B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick coupler (1) for changing attachments on a construction machine, comprising a carrier (2), first receptacles (3) arranged on one side of the carrier (2) for receiving a first coupling element, second receptacles (4) arranged on the other side of the carrier (2) with at least one locking element (7) movable between a release position and a locking position for receiving a second coupling element, and a catch device (10) arranged on the carrier (2) for catching the attachment. According to the invention, the catch device (10) has at least one catch hook (11) connected to the carrier (2) via a non-destructively releasable connection (16, 17, 18).