Quick Coupler Indication System for Piston Pin Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually inspecting the extension of piston pins in a hydraulic assembly for machine couplers is cumbersome and prone to errors, making it unreliable for ensuring proper engagement of worktools.
Innovation Solution
An indication system with a sensing element affixed to the coupler assembly, generating signals indicative of piston pin extension, and an indicator assembly that determines the extended state and triggers notifications to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection of piston pins is used to verify engagement, then the operator can check the extended state, but the process is cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated sensing system. A sensing element (such as a magnetic sensor or proximity sensor) detects the position of the piston pin, and an indicator assembly provides automated visual feedback to the operator, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing element continuously monitors the piston pin position and provides real-time information to the operator through the indicator assembly. This feedback loop ensures the operator is immediately informed of the engagement status without needing to perform manual inspection.
2Productivity
If visual inspection is used to determine piston pin extension, then the operator can verify engagement, but the process is time-consuming and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow and unreliable manual visual inspection with an automated sensing system that instantly detects piston pin position. The sensing element provides immediate and accurate data about engagement status, significantly improving both the speed and reliability of verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an informational copy of the piston pin position through the sensing element, which translates the physical state into an easily interpretable signal for the operator. This copy provides accurate and immediate information without requiring the operator to physically observe the piston pin.
3Loss of information
If manual visual inspection is performed from the operator cabin, then the operator can check piston pin state, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but unreliable manual visual inspection with an automated sensing and indication system. While this adds device complexity, it eliminates information loss and human error by providing automated, accurate detection and clear visual feedback to the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
An indication system associated with a coupler assembly includes a sensing element affixed to the coupler assembly, and an indicator assembly coupled to the sensing element. The sensing element is arranged and positioned proximate to a hydraulic assembly of the coupler assembly. The sensing element is configured to generate a signal indicative of an extension of a piston pin of the hydraulic assembly. The indicator assembly is configured to receive the signal indicative of the extension of the piston pin, and determine if the piston pin is in an extended state based on the received signal.