Electric Pin Lock Actuator for Work Vehicle Implement Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically controlled systems for attaching and detaching implements from work vehicles face practicality issues due to loss of force over distance, making them impractical for larger vehicles, as they rely on user strength to actuate pins through flexible sheathed cables.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated connection system with a lock assembly and control switch allows effortless attachment and detachment of implements to a work vehicle's movable arm, using an electrically operated actuator to translate a pin for secure engagement and disengagement, accessible from the operator control area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible sheathed cable assembly is used to actuate a pin mechanically, then the implement can be attached and detached, but the user strength required increases with distance and turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-pull system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor rotates a spool that winds or unwinds the cable, converting manual pulling force into electrical power-driven rotation. This substitution eliminates the need for the operator to directly pull the cable, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motor and spool assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's control input and the pin actuation. Instead of directly pulling the cable, the operator activates a control that signals the motor to rotate the spool, which then tensions or relaxes the cable to move the pin. This intermediary mechanism decouples the operator from the direct force application, solving the force-distance problem.
2Length of stationary object
If the flexible sheathed cable is made longer to reach the pin location, then the system can accommodate larger vehicles, but the force loss over distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical force transmission through the cable with an electric motor-driven spool system. The motor provides the force to rotate the spool, which winds the cable onto itself, creating tension without requiring the operator to pull the entire length of the cable. This allows long cables to be used in large vehicles while maintaining effective force transmission to the pin.
3Ease of operation
If more turns are required in the flexible sheathed cable to reach the pin, then the system can accommodate complex geometries, but the force multiplication effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual cable-pulling mechanism with an electric motor that rotates a spool. The motor's rotational force is transmitted to the spool, which winds the cable onto itself, creating the necessary tension to move the pin regardless of how many turns the cable must make. This substitution eliminates the force multiplication problem that occurs with multiple cable turns in manual systems.
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 effortless and efficient attachment and detachment of implements regardless of vehicle size, reducing operator effort and maintaining secure connections through electric actuation, even over longer distances.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically operated actuator coupled to the pin for translating the pin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connection system for connecting an implement to a work vehicle (100) has a movable arm ()114 and an operator control area (110). The connection system includes a lock assembly (154) and a control switch (162). The lock assembly is able to be coupled to the movable arm. The lock assembly includes a pin (156) and an electrically operated actuator (160). The pin is able to engage a portion (138) of the implement. The actuator is coupled to the pin for translating the pin. The control switch is positioned for engagement from within the operator control area. The control switch is able to be in selective electrical communication with the actuator.