Accessory Coupler Plate Opening for Adapter-Free Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines require adapters for attaching certain accessories, compromising the coupler's versatility and simplicity.

Innovation Solution

A work machine design featuring a coupler with a plate having a through-opening and a reinforcing element, allowing accessories to protrude through the opening without deformation, and utilizing a pivot joint and locking axes for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional coupler design is used, then the structure is simple, but adapters are required for certain attachments which compromises versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler versatilityVSAvoidcoupler structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is divided into a plate component and a turntable component that can be assembled together. The plate provides the mounting structure while the turntable provides the pivot joint, allowing the accessory to protrude through the opening in the plate. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring complex integrated designs or additional adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are made bulky to accommodate various functions, then functionality is improved, but the offset from the arm increases which affects machine performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory functionalityVSAvoidaccessory offset

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler design utilizes the third dimension by creating a through-opening in the plate that allows the accessory to protrude forward toward the arm. This dimensional approach enables the accessory to be positioned closer to the arm, minimizing offset while still providing sufficient space for various attachment functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the coupler structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to support various attachments without adapters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler manufacturingVSAvoidattachment compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate with its opening and the turntable with the pivot joint create a universal coupling interface that can accommodate various attachment types directly, without requiring specialized adapters. The standardized interface maintains ease of manufacture while achieving broad compatibility across different accessory types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4045722B1Working machine and assembly comprising such a machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MANITOU BF SA

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AI summary

The invention concerns a working machine (1) comprising a mobile chassis (2) that can move on a surface of the ground, a lifting arm (3) mounted on the chassis (2) to pivot about a horizontal axis (4) for a raising and lowering movement of the arm (3), and an accessory coupler (5) that can be secured to the free end of the arm (3) by a pivot link (6) with axis parallel to the axis (4) for pivoting the arm (3) with respect to the chassis (2). The coupler (5) comprises a plate (7) having a rear face (8) facing the arm (3) equipped with said pivot link (6) of the coupler (5) to the arm (3) and an opposite front face (9). The plate (7) is provided with a through-opening (10) and at least one part (61) of the pivot link (6) connecting the coupler (5) to the arm (3) is arranged facing said opening (10).