Semi-Automatic Coupling Lock Preventing Unintentional Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for front loaders on utility vehicles, such as agricultural tractors, lack a reliable mechanism to prevent unintentional unlocking and raising, leading to potential detachment during external forces, and often require complex handling procedures for locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic locking mechanism is introduced, featuring a securing element that prevents unintentional unlocking and a kinematic arrangement allowing the locking element to transition to an unlocked position with a single actuation element, ensuring the device is ready for the next coupling procedure without separate uncoupling, utilizing a combination of locking surfaces, curved discs, and tensioning springs for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is provided to prevent unintentional unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is integrated into the actuation lever assembly, combining the unlocking function with the securing function. When the actuation lever is moved to the unlocked position, it simultaneously moves the locking element and the securing element, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the actuation lever. When the actuation lever is in the locked position, the securing element is held in a position that prevents unintentional unlocking. When the actuation lever is moved to unlock, the securing element automatically moves with it, providing self-service security without additional control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a securing element is added to prevent unintentional unlocking, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is combined with the actuation lever assembly, utilizing existing structural components and mounting points. This integration approach minimizes the need for additional parts, reduces assembly steps, and lowers manufacturing costs while still providing the required security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation lever serves multiple functions: it moves the locking element to engage/disengage the locking surfaces, and it simultaneously positions the securing element to prevent or allow unintentional unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent unintentional unlocking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the actuation lever operation. A single movement of the actuation lever simultaneously controls both the locking element and the securing element, maintaining simple operation while enhancing security through the integrated design.
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 reliable prevention of unintentional detachment and simplifies the handling of locking and unlocking processes, ensuring the device remains secure and ready for reuse, while reducing manufacturing costs through minimal component usage.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning spring (9) acting on the locking element (6)
Implementation Method 2
Friction between the securing element and mounting bracket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A coupling device for the detachable coupling of a front loader (1) to an agricultural tractor (20) using a coupling bracket (4) which is connected to the loader (1) and a coupling bracket (3) which is connected to the tractor (20). The two brackets are coupled to one another by co-operating coupling element means (5b,5c:3a,3c). A locking element (6), which is mounted on the leader coupling bracket (4), can be pre-tensioned into a locked position and, by actuating an actuation element (7), can be moved into an unlocked position. A securing element (8) is provided, which is pre-tensioned into a securing position and to which the locking element (6) is coupled in such a way that, when an external force is applied to the locking element to move it towards the unlocked position, it contacts the tractor coupling bracket (3d) to prevent a further movement of the locking element towards the unlocked position. The actuation element (7) is coupled in such a way to the locking element (6) and the securing element (8) that, when an actuation of the actuation element (7) takes place, the securing element (8) is moved out of the securing position and, subsequently or simultaneously, the locking element (6) is moved together with the securing element (8) into the unlocked position.