Hydraulic Shovel Quick Coupler Locking Plate Recoil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers for hydraulic shovels suffer from imperfect locking due to surface irregularities, leading to unhooking and tool fall under shocks and vibrations, and are vulnerable to failure if springs break, allowing the locking plate to slide and lose connection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stop member, such as flexible blades with oblique ramps and cylindrical fingers, to limit the locking plate's recoil under its own weight, ensuring the locking plate remains engaged even without springs, and adding sensors to verify the locking status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking plate is provided with lateral fingers and notches to prevent unhooking due to surface irregularities, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is segmented into multiple functional elements including lateral fingers and notches, each performing a specific function to enhance locking reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate features localized structural modifications (lateral fingers at specific positions, notches at critical locations) that provide enhanced engagement without requiring complete redesign of the entire fastening mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the locking plate is placed in a vertical position to facilitate operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the plate can slide downward under its own weight when springs fail
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element acts as a counterbalancing feature that prevents the locking plate from moving downward under its own weight, effectively counteracting the gravitational force that would cause unreliable locking in the vertical position
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element is pre-positioned on the locking plate to limit its movement range before any failure occurs, ensuring that even if springs fail, the plate cannot slide far enough to compromise the locking security
3Reliability
If springs are used to maintain the locking plate in the armed position, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is designed to maintain its armed position through its own structural features (stop element and geometric constraints) rather than relying entirely on external spring forces, making the system more self-sufficient and less dependent on additional components
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 solution provides a secure and reliable locking mechanism that prevents unhooking due to surface irregularities and spring failure, ensuring the tool remains attached, and provides a signal for the operator to confirm proper locking.
Implementation Method 1
the locking plate is provided with a stop element which limits the movement of said plate under the effect of its weight
Implementation Method 2
the locking plate is associated with a member which limits the recoil of said plate under the effect of its weight. According to one embodiment, this organ consists, in its simplest form, of a flexible blade
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety device for quick-fastening, comprising two portions (1 and 2), one of which is attached to the arm of the machine and the other of which is attached to the tool, wherein the first portion (1) comprises a cradle that is insertable under the arm of the other portion (2) having an extension (5) in the form of a hook, provided with at least one side lug (10) that can pass through notched openings in the first portion (1) and in a locking plate (6) sliding on the middle portion of said first portion so as to be inserted under the hook (5) by springs, characterized in that the locking plate is provided with an abutment member that limits the return movement of said plate in order to prevent the abovementioned notched openings from coinciding.