Integrated Coupling Plate for Simultaneous Multi-Interface Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coupling systems for agricultural equipment require separate connections for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical interfaces, which are time-consuming and lack precision.

Innovation Solution

A coupling plate with integrated hydraulic, electronic, and pneumatic connection devices, along with centring elements and positioning devices, allows for simultaneous and precise alignment and connection of these interfaces during mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate connection steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate connections are used for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical interfaces, then each connection can be made independently, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical coupling elements with hydraulic coupling devices and electrical connection devices into a single integrated coupling plate assembly. This merging allows all connection types to be established simultaneously through one coupling action, eliminating the need for separate connection steps and significantly reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling plate is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical coupling, hydraulic connection, and electrical connection. This multi-functional design enables a single device to handle all connection types, simplifying the overall coupling process and reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate connections are used for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical interfaces, then each connection can be made independently, but the overall connection process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection efficiencyVSAvoidconnection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connection systems into a single integrated coupling plate that contains mechanical coupling elements, hydraulic coupling devices, and electrical connection devices. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate connection mechanisms while improving connection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If conventional coupling systems are used, then mechanical connection can be made, but hydraulic and electrical connections require separate steps lacking precision and speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidconnection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling plate is pre-configured with hydraulic coupling devices and electrical connection devices positioned in predetermined locations relative to the mechanical coupling elements. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when mechanical coupling occurs, hydraulic and electrical connections are automatically aligned and established simultaneously, achieving both high precision and high speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11419256B2Coupling plate
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 SYN TRAC GMBH
  • US11419256B2 patent drawing
  • US11419256B2 patent drawing
  • US11419256B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to the present disclosure, a coupling plate is provided to form electrical, electronic, hydraulic and/or pneumatic connections. The coupling plate comprises an approximately flat base plate, at least two hydraulic connecting devices formed in the base plate, at least one electronic connecting device to provide an electronic connection between a control device of a vehicle and a control device of an accessory device, at least one electrical connecting device, a centring device with at least two coupling and/or counter coupling elements for the relative alignment of the connecting devices of the coupling plate and, if necessary, corresponding connections.