Quick Coupler Catch Hook Spring Return for Collision-Free Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers face issues with safe and precise attachment changes, particularly when the catch hooks are not positioned correctly, leading to potential collisions and safety hazards during the attachment process.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change coupler with a locking hook that can pivot independently of the locking device, featuring a return mechanism and a catch hook system with a reset mechanism, ensuring secure attachment and reduced collision risk through a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catch hook is allowed to move freely under gravity, then it can return to its initial position, but it may not be positioned correctly in certain quick coupler positions, leading to potential collisions and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism is pre-configured with a spring and pressure element that automatically actuate the catch hook to its correct position. The spring is pre-compressed and the pressure element is positioned to engage with the control element, ensuring the catch hook is proactively moved to the correct position before any potential collision hazard arises, rather than relying on passive gravitational return.
2Device complexity
If the locking hook is integrated with the locking device, then the structure is simplified, but it cannot pivot independently, reducing safety in incorrect locking scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is segmented from the locking device, allowing it to pivot independently on its own axis while the locking device operates separately. This segmentation enables the locking hook to function as an additional safety mechanism that can engage or disengage independently, providing redundant safety in case the primary locking mechanism fails or is incorrectly operated.
3Measurement precision
If additional control devices are added to precisely position the catch hook, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch hook system is designed to be self-actuating through the spring-based return mechanism. The control element on the catch hook itself interacts with the pressure element, and the spring automatically provides the force needed to position the catch hook correctly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, achieving precise positioning through simple mechanical means.
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
Enables safe and precise attachment changes with reduced collision risk and improved handling, allowing secure attachment even in incorrect locking scenarios without additional control devices.
Implementation Method 1
The reset mechanism comprises a bolt-shaped pressure element (24) associated with the catch hook (17) and pre-tensioned by a compression spring (23)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick coupler (1) for changing attachments on a construction machine, comprising a carrier (7), first receptacles (8) for a first coupling element (5) arranged on one side of the carrier (7), second receptacles (9) for a second coupling element (6) arranged on the other side of the carrier (7), a locking device (11) associated with the first receptacles (8) and movable between a release and locking position, and a catch device (16) arranged on the carrier (7) with at least one catch hook (17) pivotably arranged on the carrier (7) for catching the attachment, wherein a control element (21) for pivoting the catch hook (16) independently of the locking device (11) between a folded-down change and catch position and a folded-up safety position is arranged on the catch hook (17).According to the invention, the catch hook (17) is pressed into its folded-down change and catch position by a spring arrangement (23, 24).