Debris-Resistant Quick-Release Coupler for Excavator Tool Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling devices for attaching tools to machinery, such as buckets to hydraulic excavators, suffer from security issues due to earth or waste getting trapped between connection parts, leading to imperfect locking and potential unhooking during shocks or vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a notch in the front edge of the base plate to prevent earth or waste insertion, featuring a locking hook that slides through a through opening in a spring-biased locking plate, with complementary notches and protrusions ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If earth or waste can enter between connection parts during locking, then the locking mechanism appears to engage, but the actual locking is imperfect and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The front edge of the base plate is segmented into multiple notches (first notch, second notch, third notch) that divide the space where earth or waste could accumulate. This segmentation prevents continuous gaps that could trap debris, ensuring that material cannot bridge across the connection interface and compromise locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate acts as an intermediary element between the locking hook and the base plate. It provides a controlled interface through which the locking hook passes, preventing earth or waste from directly interfering with the locking engagement while still allowing the necessary mechanical interaction for secure locking.
2Reliability
If the locking plate slides imperfectly due to debris, then the device gives false indication of locking, but actual security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are strategically positioned at specific locations on the base plate where earth or waste most commonly accumulates during the locking operation. By providing localized clearance paths at these critical spots, the design ensures smooth sliding of the locking plate without interference from debris, while maintaining secure locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are pre-formed features on the base plate that proactively prevent earth or waste from blocking the locking plate's path before the locking operation begins. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the locking plate slides during operation, it encounters no obstructions, providing both smooth operation and reliable locking.
3Reliability
If earth or waste blocks the locking plate sliding path, then imperfect locking occurs, which may lead to unhooking during shocks or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The front edge of the base plate is segmented into multiple notches (first notch, second notch, third notch) that divide the space where earth or waste could accumulate. This segmentation prevents continuous gaps that could trap debris, ensuring that material cannot bridge across the connection interface and compromise locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate acts as an intermediary element between the locking hook and the base plate. It provides a controlled interface through which the locking hook passes, preventing earth or waste from directly interfering with the locking engagement while still allowing the necessary mechanical interaction for secure locking.
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 the safety and reliability of the quick coupling by preventing imperfect locking and unhooking, ensuring secure attachment even under operational shocks or vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
a slidingly mounted locking plate stressed by spring-forming means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A quick-attach device for attaching a tool, such as a bucket, to the end of the arm of a machine, such as a hydraulic excavator or the like, comprising a first connecting part intended to be attached to the bucket and a second connecting part intended to be attached to the arm, the first part comprising a base plate having a front edge and a rear edge, a coupling pin, respectively a hook, being provided from the lower face of the base plate and a locking hook being provided from the upper face of the base plate, the second part comprising a hook, respectively a pin, intended to couple to the coupling pin, respectively to the hook, of the first part and a slidingly mounted locking plate stressed by spring-forming means,the locking hook of the first part being intended to pass through a through opening formed in the sliding locking plate of the second part to hook onto an edge of the opening after sliding of the locking plate to ensure the locking of the quick-release device, is characterized in that the front edge of the base plate of the first part defines a notch, in particular of flared shape,