Dipper Stick Coupling Jaw Mechanism for Lightweight Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for machines with dipper sticks and tilt links are large, bulky, and heavy, reducing payload and productivity by adding excess weight, and are not easily retrofittable or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight coupling arrangement using pivotally connected jaw members with fluid-actuated cylinder assemblies or spring-biased caroming mechanisms to grip and release mounting pins on dipper sticks and tilt links, allowing for easy installation and operation, and potential retrofitting on conventional machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplers are used for detachably mounting implements on machines, then the implements can be securely attached and detached, but the couplers become large, bulky and heavy, unduly adding excess weight to the front end of the machine and decreasing payload and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into multiple independent jaw assemblies (first assembly on dipper stick, second and third assemblies on tilt links) that work together to secure the implement. Each assembly independently grips a mounting pin, distributing the attachment function across segmented components rather than using a single large bulky coupler.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential gripping function from conventional couplers by using simple jaw members that pivot to grip mounting pins. The complex bulk of traditional coupler structures is removed, retaining only the necessary pin-gripping capability through streamlined jaw assemblies actuated by cylinders or springs.
2Reliability
If conventional large and bulky couplers are used, then secure connection is achieved, but the design becomes complex and expensive to manufacture, and difficult to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into multiple independent jaw assemblies (first assembly on dipper stick, second and third assemblies on tilt links) that work together to secure the implement. Each assembly independently grips a mounting pin, distributing the attachment function across segmented components rather than using a single large bulky coupler.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are designed to automatically grip the mounting pin when the implement is attached, with spring bias or fluid actuation providing the necessary closing force. The system serves itself by using the natural movement of the dipper stick and tilt links to position the jaws for engagement, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional couplers are used, then implement attachment is possible, but the installation and operation become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are designed to automatically grip the mounting pin when the implement is attached, with spring bias or fluid actuation providing the necessary closing force. The system serves itself by using the natural movement of the dipper stick and tilt links to position the jaws for engagement, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid actuated cylinder assemblies are used to provide reciprocating action that translates linear motion into pivotal motion of the jaw members. This hydraulic/pneumatic actuation simplifies operation by allowing the operator to control jaw opening and closing through fluid pressure changes rather than manual manipulation of complex mechanical linkages.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient coupling system that enhances machine productivity by simplifying design and operation while enabling secure attachment of various implements, improving payload capacity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid actuated cylinder assembly is used to provide a reciprocating action
Implementation Method 2
a spring is provided for biasing the jaws in an open position
Implementation Method 3
a caroming action is utilized to urge the jaws into a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for detachably connecting an implement having a pair of mounting pins to a machine provided with a dipper stick and a pair of tilt links operatively connected to the dipper stick, comprising a first assembly including a pair of jaw members pivotally connected to the dipper stick and cooperable upon pivotal movement thereof to selectively grip and release one of the mounting pins, and means for selectively pivoting the jaw members in opposite directions to effect such grip and release of the one of the mounting pins; and second and third assemblies each including a pair of jaw members pivotally connected to one of the tilt links and cooperable upon pivotal movement thereof to selectively grip and release the other of the mounting pins, and means for selectively pivoting the jaw members in opposite directions to effect such grip and release of the other of the mounting pins.