Excavator Coupler Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for vehicles like excavators lack sufficient safety locking mechanisms, leading to accidents due to loose implements, and current solutions are complex, bulky, and unreliable in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly with dual locking members, one pivotally mounted on a slide, which can move between extended and retracted positions to secure both connecting pins, using a biasing mechanism and actuators for remote control, ensuring robust and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single safety lock feature is provided in the coupler, then the coupler can hold one pin if the other pin comes free, but accidents still occur due to insufficient safety locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two independent locking systems: a primary locking mechanism that engages with the first pin and a secondary locking mechanism that engages with the second pin. Each locking mechanism operates independently with its own locking member, allowing the system to provide enhanced safety without requiring a completely complex integrated system. The segmentation of locking functions into separate mechanisms resolves the contradiction by distributing safety functions across modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically with the second pin before the primary locking mechanism releases the first pin. This preliminary action ensures that the implement is securely held by the secondary lock before any disengagement occurs. The biasing means pre-positions the secondary locking member in an engaged state, ready to prevent accidental disengagement before it can occur, thereby enhancing safety without adding complex control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple safety locking features are added to prevent accidents, then safety reliability improves, but the coupler becomes more complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The primary and secondary locking mechanisms are merged into a single integrated coupler body, sharing common structural elements such as the jaw assembly and actuator system. The locking members are positioned within the same recess structure, and both mechanisms respond to the same hydraulic actuator signals. This merging allows the complex safety system to operate as a unified mechanism rather than separate independent systems, maintaining ease of operation while providing enhanced safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically in response to the position of the movable jaw and the action of the primary locking mechanism. The biasing means automatically returns the secondary locking member to its engaged position after disengagement, without requiring separate control inputs. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining the dual-locking safety function.
3Reliability
If locking members are made robust and simple for harsh environments, then reliability in dirty conditions improves, but the ability to provide secondary safety locking on the movable jaw becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary locking member is designed with a universal structure that performs multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical lock for the second pin, a sensor for detecting pin presence, and a trigger for initiating disengagement sequences. The same basic locking member design used in the primary mechanism is replicated and adapted for the secondary mechanism, ensuring consistent performance in harsh environments while reducing the need for specialized complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable jaw itself serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the locking and disengagement forces between the hydraulic actuator and the secondary locking member. The jaw's movement automatically actuates the secondary locking mechanism through mechanical linkages, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems. This intermediary approach allows the robust simple locking member design to be effectively integrated into the movable jaw while maintaining reliability in harsh conditions.
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 dual locking mechanism enhances safety by preventing accidental disengagement of implements, maintaining performance and reliability in harsh conditions while minimizing size and weight, thus reducing the risk of accidents and improving machine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a rear locking member which is movable relative to a main member of the slide and which is movable between an extended position in which the rear locking member directly prevents the second connecting pin from exiting the aft recess and a retracted position in which the rear locking member allows the second connecting pin to exit the aft recess
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupler for coupling implements having a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin, to a vehicle, for example, to the arm of an excavator. The coupler has a body component that is connectable to the vehicle, and which includes a forward recess for receiving the first connecting pin. The coupler also includes a movable component which is supported by the body component and which has an aft jaw or recess for receiving the second connecting pin and is movable through a range of travel relative to the body component. The movable component includes a rear locking member which is movable between an extended position in which the rear locking member can prevent the second connecting pin from exiting the aft recess and a retracted position in which the rear locking member can allow the second connecting pin to exit the aft recess.