Coupling Hook Cam Mechanism Resists Torque-Induced Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling hooks for agricultural tractors lack operational reliability, leading to potential loss of attached implements during rough terrain use, posing safety risks and significant damage, while maintaining automatic coupling functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coupling hook design with a locking bar that can be adjusted between locking and release positions, utilizing a cam and locking lever mechanism to ensure secure attachment and allow for automatic coupling, while resisting torque-induced release, using a combination of springs, guide surfaces, and a roller to maintain stability and allow remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the locking bar is made resiliently pressable against the coupling body to enable automatic coupling, then automatic coupling functionality is achieved, but the locking bar becomes vulnerable to unintentional release during rough terrain use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies differentiated locking: the locking bar is locked against movement in directions that could cause unintentional release during rough terrain use, while simultaneously allowing movement in the specific direction needed for automatic coupling. This is achieved through the cam mechanism that permits the locking bar to be pressed into the receptacle during coupling but prevents other movements that would cause release.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state during automatic coupling. The cam mechanism allows the locking bar to dynamically adjust its position when the coupling body is inserted, enabling automatic coupling, while maintaining stability in the locked position during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the locking bar is locked in the locking position to prevent unintentional release, then operational reliability is improved, but automatic coupling functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured to automatically transfer the locking bar to the release position when the coupling body is inserted into the receptacle. This preliminary arrangement of the cam profile ensures that the locking bar is released before the coupling body fully engages, enabling smooth automatic coupling without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the force from the coupling body itself during insertion to trigger the release mechanism. The coupling body's movement through the receptacle automatically actuates the cam, which in turn releases the locking bar, allowing the coupling process to be self-service without external actuation.
3Extent of automation
If the locking bar is allowed to move freely in the release position direction to enable automatic coupling, then automatic coupling is achieved, but torque from coupling body rotation can unintentionally transfer the locking bar to the release position
Solution Approach 1:
The differentiated locking mechanism applies selective constraints: it locks the locking bar against movement in directions that could cause unintentional release during rough terrain use, while simultaneously allowing movement in the specific direction needed for automatic coupling. This spatial differentiation of freedom of movement resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the locking bar and the coupling body. It mediates the interaction by allowing the locking bar to move in the coupling direction while blocking movement in other directions, thus preventing torque-induced release while enabling automatic coupling.
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 operational reliability by preventing unintentional decoupling during rough terrain use while maintaining automatic coupling functionality, ensuring secure attachment and allowing remote operation, thus improving safety and reducing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
The spring can act on the locking bar in order to press the locking bar against the coupling body
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a cam and locking lever mechanism to ensure secure attachment and allow for automatic coupling
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a cam and locking lever mechanism to ensure secure attachment
Implementation Method 4
using a combination of springs, guide surfaces, and a roller to maintain stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The coupling hook (1) has a hook body (3) with a receptacle (4) for a coupling body (2) and a receiving chamber (5), in which a locking bolt (6) is held between the coupling body and locking position. The locking bolt is provided with a cam (9) operatively connected to an adjustable locking lever (10).