Detachable Front Loader Locking Mechanism for Tractors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detachable front loader structures for wheeled work vehicles, such as tractors, require complex operations and additional components for easy attachment and detachment, increasing the burden and component count.

Innovation Solution

A detachable structure featuring an engaging part on a subframe that interacts with a main frame, utilizing a restriction member with a pivot shaft, an operation tool, and a holding member to simplify attachment and detachment by automatically releasing holds and reducing the need for additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a detachable structure is used for the front loader, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components needed for attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the holding member: it provides both the holding function (retaining the restriction member) and the release function (through automatic release mechanism). This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of operation for attachment and detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding member is designed to automatically release the restriction member when the main frame moves in the detachment direction, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while reducing component complexity by eliminating separate release devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If additional components are added to enable easy attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member serves multiple purposes: it holds the restriction member in the attached state, automatically releases it during detachment, and guides the main frame movement. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable structure is divided into functional segments (engaging part, restriction member, holding member) that can be manufactured separately and assembled, allowing for cost-effective production while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a restriction member is used to restrict movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member automatically releases the restriction member when the main frame moves in the detachment direction, eliminating the need for complex manual release mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains reliable engagement during operation while simplifying the locking mechanism overall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member is designed to be dynamically controllable - it restricts movement in the attached state and automatically releases during detachment. This dynamic behavior is achieved through the interaction between the restriction member and holding member, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and efficient attachment and detachment of the front loader from the vehicle body, reducing operational burden and component count, while ensuring secure engagement and easy confirmation of attachment status.

Implementation Method 1

biased in a restriction direction oriented to the restriction position from the restriction release position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

biased in the holding direction oriented to the holding position from the non-holding position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11193252B2Structure for detachable front loader, detachable front loader, and work vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A structure of a detachable front loader includes: a main frame; a boom; and a subframe unit that supports the boom. The subframe unit includes: a subframe; a guide that is disposed on the subframe and engages with the main frame; a lock bar that includes a pivot shaft disposed on the subframe, and a pivot shaft part; an operation tool that moves the lock bar from the restriction position to the release position against a first biasing force; and a locking tool that is supported by the subframe, moves between a locking position and an unlocking position, is biased in a locking direction, and once the operation tool moves the lock bar to the release position, moves to the locking position by a second biasing force, and engages with a cutout formed in the pivot shaft part.