Coupler With Visibility Window For Implement Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing couplers for mining and construction machines do not provide sufficient visibility for operators to see implements like pallet forks, making it difficult to position them correctly for tasks such as picking up palletized materials.

Innovation Solution

A coupler design with a first mounting structure featuring a cylinder rod and movable wedge, allowing for attachment to both the machine and implement, and including visibility windows to enable the operator to see the implement from the cab, facilitating easier and more efficient implement switching and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coupler is designed with mounting structures and actuators for implement attachment, then the coupler provides functional connectivity between machine and implement, but the coupler blocks the operator's view of the implement components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement attachment capabilityVSAvoidoperator visibility of implement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler body is segmented to include openings that divide the structure into visible and non-visible zones, allowing light and sight lines to pass through while maintaining structural integrity and mounting functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings in the coupler act as intermediaries that transmit visual information from the implement components to the operator's cab, enabling visibility without requiring direct line of sight or removing structural elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If manual pin-style joints are used for implement attachment, then the connection is simple and robust, but the implement switching process is time consuming and requires considerable skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection robustnessVSAvoidimplement switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler employs movable wedges that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing rapid implement attachment and detachment without manual pin manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Hydraulic actuators provide the force needed to move the wedges and secure implements, enabling automated implement switching that reduces both time and skill requirements while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coupler structure is made solid and complete for structural integrity, then the coupler provides strong mounting capability, but the coupler prevents the operator from seeing through it to the implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler structural integrityVSAvoidvisibility through coupler

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler structure has different properties in different locations: solid and opaque in areas requiring structural strength, and open and transparent in areas where visibility is needed, optimizing both functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances operator visibility and efficiency by allowing operators to see the implement's tines or other critical components, reducing the time and skill required for implement switching and improving multitasking capabilities of machines.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod, and the first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through wedge geometry: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS8833480B2Coupler with visibility window

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A coupler for connecting an implement to a machine includes a first mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the implement. The first mounting structure includes a first actuator including a first cylinder rod extendable relative to a first cylinder body. The first cylinder rod has a first rod longitudinal axis. The first mounting structure also includes a first wedge attached to the first cylinder rod. The first wedge is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by the first actuator. The first wedge includes a first wedge tip insertable into the implement. The first wedge tip has a first wedge longitudinal axis. The first rod longitudinal axis is offset from the first wedge longitudinal axis to form a first opening extending through the coupler adjacent the first actuator. The coupler also includes a second mounting structure configured to attach the coupler to the machine.