Decoupled Spring Fastening for Tractor Front Loader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for attachments, such as front loaders, on work vehicles require high manual forces to lock and unlock due to the design of locking springs and actuation mechanisms, leading to inefficient operation and potential play in the bearing journal, especially under heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a separate locking spring for clamping the bearing pin and a detent spring for generating the latching effect, allowing for independent adjustment of actuating forces for pretensioning and latching, decoupling the actuating element's movement in the latching direction from the locking direction to avoid increased prestressing during locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking spring is used to generate both locking force and latching effect, then the device structure is simplified, but high manual forces are required for actuation and the locking force cannot be independently adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single locking spring into two separate springs: a locking spring (22) that generates locking force in the locking direction, and a detent spring (33) that generates the latching effect. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each spring's function, reducing the manual actuation force required while maintaining secure locking and latching capabilities.
2Force
If the actuating element is coupled to the support element in the locking direction, then the locking force is increased, but the manual actuation force required also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent decouples the actuating element's movement in the latching direction from the locking direction. The actuating element (29) can move independently in the latching direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) without necessarily changing the prestressing of the locking spring (22). This allows the locking force to be maintained or increased while the manual actuation force remains low, as the actuating element can engage the locking recess (47) without requiring large forces in the locking direction.
3Reliability
If a locking recess with locking projection is used to secure the actuating lever, then unintended release is prevented, but a higher temporary locking force is required during actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the locking function and latching function into different springs and mechanisms. The locking spring (22) provides the locking force, while the detent spring (33) provides the latching effect in the locking recess (47). This separation allows the latching mechanism to secure the actuating element without requiring high temporary forces, as the detent spring can engage the locking projection (46) with minimal force while the locking spring maintains the primary locking force independently.
4Reliability
If the spring foot point is moved axially to increase locking force, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and actuation force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a separate locking spring (22) that is specifically dedicated to generating locking force in the locking direction, independent of the detent spring (33) and latching mechanism. This allows the locking reliability to be optimized by adjusting only the locking spring's parameters (preload, stiffness, mounting position) without affecting the latching mechanism or increasing overall device complexity. The actuating element's independent movement in the latching direction further simplifies the actuation mechanism.
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
This design reduces the manual force required for locking and unlocking, improves operational efficiency, and prevents unintended release of the locking element, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of the front loader from the tractor.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is acted upon in a locking direction by a locking spring, whereby a bearing pin of the attachment is clamped and fixed with a locking force between the receptacle and the locking element
Implementation Method 2
a latching element is acted upon by a detent spring in the latching direction into a latching recess to generate the latching effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (1) which can be used to attach an implement, in particular a front loader, to a mounting hook (3) of a work vehicle, in particular a tractor. According to the invention, an actuating element (29) with an actuating lever (30) is movable along a cam track (9). During this movement, the movement component along a longitudinal axis (38) increases the detent force in a detent spring (33), while a movement of the actuating element (29) along a drive direction (40), in particular a pivoting about the longitudinal axis (38), is transmitted to a support element (23) for a spring base of a locking spring (22) for a locking element (16).By separately applying pressure to the locking spring (22) and the detent spring (33) via separate cams (9, 10), the locking force (17) can be decoupled from the detent force in the detent spring (33), resulting in improved design possibilities for the actuating force and the locking via a detent force.