Electric Quick Coupler Retention Pin Using a Thermoactuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching and detaching tools from machines, such as wheel loaders, require manual intervention and can involve energy loss and additional costs due to the need for hydraulic power conversion.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a retention pin and a thermoactuator, where the thermoactuator includes a chamber with a material that changes volume with temperature, and an electric temperature-altering device to move the retention pin relative to the attachment, allowing for quick and secure tool changes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic power is used to automatically connect attachments, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy and additional costs increase due to the need for hydraulic power conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power system with an electric power system. The electric motor directly drives the retention pin mechanism to insert and remove pins, eliminating the need for hydraulic power conversion and associated energy losses while maintaining automated operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic power conversion component from the attachment connection system, using only electric power to drive the retention pin mechanism, thereby removing the source of energy loss and additional costs
2Device complexity
If manual attachment removal and reconnection is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated operation where the electric motor automatically drives the retention pin to insert into and engage with the attachment, and subsequently remove it, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is pre-positioned and configured to directly drive the retention pin mechanism, preparing the system in advance to automatically perform the insertion and removal actions without requiring complex intermediate mechanisms
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 rapid and secure attachment and detachment of tools from machines, reducing the need for hydraulic power conversion and associated energy losses and costs, while allowing operators to remain in the cab during tool changes.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber configured to be fastened to the coupler, containing a material comprising a volume that changes as a function of temperature
Implementation Method 2
an electric temperature-altering device that, while activated, changes the temperature and volume of the material
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing an attachment to a coupler. The device includes: a retention pin defining an elongate direction and configured to be disposed on the coupler, where, to secure the coupler to the attachment, the pin can move in the elongate direction to insert a first end, of the retention pin, into an opening in the attachment; and a thermoactuator including: a chamber associated with the coupler and containing a material that changes volume with temperature, where an end of the chamber is sealed with a piston that is mechanically connected to the retention pin proximate to a second end of the pin, the second end being disposed opposite the first end; and an electric temperature-altering device that, when activated, changes the temperature and volume of the material causing the piston to exert a force on the pin that moves the pin relative to the opening in the attachment.