Energy Carrier Coupling with Pivoting Protective Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy carrier couplings for heavy work machines are susceptible to contamination and require complex, space-consuming designs, with issues such as loss of elasticity in spring-based solutions and risk of mechanical failure over time.
Innovation Solution
An energy carrier coupling with a protective element that covers energy coupling elements when not in use, featuring a pivoting design with forced guidance and spring prestressing, ensuring protection against contamination and robust operation, and an actuator for automated connection of energy coupling parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If energy coupling elements are left exposed for automated connection, then connection speed is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is pre-positioned to cover the energy coupling elements before connection occurs. The forced guidance mechanism pre-arranges the protective element's movement path so that it automatically opens at the precise moment when coupling elements need to engage, protecting them during storage and transport while enabling rapid connection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element transitions from a static closed position (providing protection) to a dynamic open position (enabling connection). The forced guidance mechanism enables this dynamic transition to occur automatically and rapidly, allowing the system to adapt its protective function based on operational needs without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If spring-based connecting devices are used for automated connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-lived elastic springs with a mechanically robust forced guidance system that uses rigid guide surfaces and geometric constraints. This substitution eliminates the aging and elasticity loss problems inherent in spring-based solutions, providing a more reliable connection mechanism that maintains its functionality over time without degrading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical system (springs) with a rigid mechanical guidance system. The forced guidance mechanism uses fixed geometric relationships and surface interactions to achieve automated connection, eliminating dependence on material elasticity and associated reliability issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective elements are added to cover energy coupling elements, then protection against contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is merged with the existing coupling structure through forced guidance relationships. Rather than adding an independently controlled protective cover, the design integrates the protective function into the coupling mechanism itself, using the same motion paths and structural elements to achieve both protection and connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element is designed to automatically open and close through forced guidance from the coupling elements' own motion. The system serves itself by using the connection and separation movements of the coupling elements to directly control the protective element's position, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control 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
The solution provides a contamination-resistant, robust, and cost-effective energy carrier coupling that allows for easy attachment and detachment of working equipment, enabling additional functions like tilting movements without additional drives, and ensures secure, fluid-tight connections of energy coupling elements.
Implementation Method 1
the protective element is prestressed in the first position by a spring means
Implementation Method 2
a positive guide is preferably provided for the displacement or pivoting of the protective element
Data Source
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AI summary
The coupling has a guiding unit and a centering unit co-operating with each other. The guiding- and centering units are provided at components and/or connecting plates (16) for aligning the connecting plates relative to one another. A protection element (51) i.e. protection cap, is arranged at an energy coupling part in a position changeable manner. An energy coupling element (18) is covered when the energy coupling part in a closed position and not coupled with another energy coupling part. The element is provided in an open position when the former part is in an open position. An independent claim is also included for a coupler for attaching a working implement to a work machine.