Demolition Tool Link Assembly for Fast Cylinder Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Demolition tools face wear and maintenance challenges due to the abrasive nature of materials like concrete and scrap iron, particularly in the hydraulic cylinders connecting to the jaw assemblies, which require frequent replacement and efficient decoupling methods.
Innovation Solution
A link assembly with lugs, a pin, and a lock mechanism allows for the decoupling of hydraulic cylinders from the jaw assembly in demolition tools, enabling easy replacement and maintenance without the need to lift or reposition the pin, using a method that involves rotating the lugs and engaging a locking element to retain the pin at the second lug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional techniques are used to connect cylinders to the jaw assembly, then the connection is simple and direct, but the decoupling process requires lifting and repositioning the pin, increasing maintenance time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: the jaw assembly with lugs, the pin, and the lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the pin to remain stationary while only the lock mechanism needs to be operated for decoupling, eliminating the need to lift or reposition the pin during maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism introduces dynamic functionality to an otherwise static connection. The pin can transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick decoupling without manual intervention to reposition heavy components. The rotational movement of the locking element provides dynamic control over the connection state.
2Device complexity
If the pin is directly connected to the jaw assembly without a lock mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the pin must be lifted and repositioned for replacement, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pin and the jaw assembly. Instead of directly manipulating the pin for replacement, the operator interacts with the locking element, which mediates the connection and release process. This intermediary function simplifies the replacement operation while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If the cylinder is directly coupled to the jaw assembly, then the connection is robust, but wear from abrasive materials affects both the cylinder and the jaw assembly simultaneously, reducing overall lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into wear-resistant components (the jaw assembly with hardened lugs) and replaceable components (the pin and lock mechanism). This segmentation allows the critical structural elements to maintain strength while enabling easy replacement of worn parts, thereby extending the overall operational lifespan of the demolition tool.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of decoupling a cylinder (138) from a jaw (132) in a demolition tool (128) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: unlocking a first end (32) of a pin (30) from a first lug (12) wherein the pin (30) has a groove (40) adjacent the first end (32), the groove (40) being in a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (38) of the pin (30); rotating first and second lugs (12, 14) in a first direction from a first lug position to a second lug position wherein the pin (30) slides through the first and second lugs (12, 14) and the first end (32) moves from the first lug (12) to the second lug (14) to uncouple the cylinder (138) from the jaw (132); engaging a locking element (92) biasingly supported on the second lug (14) into the groove (40) to retain the pin (30) at the second lug (14); and moving the cylinder (138) from between the spaced apart first and second lugs (12, 14).