Electric Latching System for Carrier-Mounted Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch arrangements for securing implements to carrier-mounted lifting arms are prone to failure due to biasing mechanism failures, can be jammed without operator awareness, and are hindered by hydraulic fluid leakage and space-consuming hydraulic hoses and control valves, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated latching system utilizing a linear electric motor with a microprocessor-based digital electronic control, including safety interlocks and LED indicators to prevent unlatching when the boom is not in a lowered position, and allowing manual override to clear obstructions, replacing hydraulic systems with a compact and reliable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a biasing mechanism is used to maintain the latch rod in a latched position, then the latch arrangement can be manually or hydraulically moved to an unlatched position, but the biasing mechanism may fail causing the latch rod to migrate to the unlatched position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks through interlock switches before allowing the latch rod to be moved to the unlatched position. The first interlock switch prevents unlatching unless the boom is in the lowered position, and the second interlock switch ensures proper sequencing. This preliminary verification prevents unsafe unlatching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from interlock switches and position sensors to monitor the latch rod position and boom position. The control system receives feedback signals and only permits unlatching when safety conditions are met, providing continuous monitoring to prevent migration to incorrect positions.
2Power
If hydraulic cylinders are used to move the latching rod arrangement to unlatched positions, then effective actuation is achieved, but hydraulic fluid leakage and space requirements for hoses and control valves increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the hydraulic cylinder actuation system with an electric motor-driven mechanism. The electric motor converts rotational motion to linear motion through a lead screw or rack and pinion mechanism, eliminating hydraulic fluid, hoses, and control valves while providing sufficient actuation force through electrical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system components (cylinders, hoses, valves, fluid reservoir) from the latch mechanism, replacing them with a simplified electric actuation system that achieves the same functional outcome without the complexity and maintenance issues of hydraulic systems.
3Reliability
If safety interlocks are added to prevent unlatching at unsafe heights, then operator safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system automatically monitors boom position and latch rod position using sensors and switches, and automatically prevents unsafe operations by controlling motor power. The system serves itself by detecting unsafe conditions and blocking the unlatching command without requiring additional manual safety devices or complex control logic.
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 system ensures reliable and compact operation by preventing unlatching during unsafe boom positions, monitoring conditions, and providing visual feedback, while eliminating hydraulic fluid leakage and space issues, thus enhancing safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is a linear motor which converts electrical energy directly into mechanical motion along a linear path, eliminating the need for traditional rotary motors and mechanical transmission components
Implementation Method 2
A microprocessor-based digital electronic control is provided for the motor including safety interlocks for preventing unlatching of the implement if the boom is not in a lowered position
Implementation Method 3
The electronic control unit also includes a capability to monitor operating conditions and to apprise the operator of the operating condition, through the means of an LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely operable latching system for securing an implement to a carrier mounted to a forward end of a lifting arm for pivoting about a horizontal tilt axis. The latching system is mounted to the carrier and includes a latching rod arrangement operated by an extensible and retractable linear electric motor between a retracted latching position and an extended unlatching position. A secondary latch arrangement is provided for rotating the latching rod arrangement to an arrested position preventing movement of the rod arrangement to its latching position once the latching rod is extended to its unlatching position. Movement of the rod arrangement to its arrested position is aided by a spring and by the electric motor. A microprocessor based control unit is coupled to the electric motor and acts in response to a boom height input signals to prevent operation of the motor when the boom is above a preset height.