Excavator Attachment Tool Assembly with Mechanical Safety Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for excavators are costly and pose safety risks due to complex sensor systems and potential misoperation, requiring significant design effort and adaptation, with existing components needing to be adapted and programmed for damage resistance, and there is a need for a universally applicable device with low acquisition and operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular attachment device with a one-piece cast lower housing part, integrated imbalance generator, and hydraulic drive, featuring a conical bolt for secure locking and a mechanical safety device to prevent accidental detachment, allowing for flexible use with various compactor plates and attachments, and simplified manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor systems are used to monitor coupling and locking elements, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and acquisition costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex sensor systems with a simple mechanical indicator element that visually displays the coupling status. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronic sensors, programming, and complex integration while providing reliable monitoring of the coupling and locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that provides monitoring functionality without the high costs associated with sensor systems. It offers a cost-effective alternative that requires no programming or complex integration.
2Reliability
If sensor systems are integrated into the attachment system, then monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive sensor integration with a simple mechanical indicator element that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the attachment system. This eliminates the need for damage-resistant sensor integration and complex programming while providing reliable monitoring.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional welded lower housing parts are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but geometric complexity and mounting position options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from welding to casting, which enables complex geometries and allows the counterbalancer and hydraulic drive to be positioned lower in the operating position. This parameter change in the manufacturing process achieves the desired geometric complexity and lower mounting position.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a one-piece cast lower housing part is used, then geometric complexity and mounting position options are improved, but manufacturing method changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces the change in manufacturing method from welding to casting as a beneficial parameter change that enables complex geometries and lower mounting positions. The casting process is selected specifically to achieve the desired geometric complexity and component positioning.
5Device complexity
If standard locking mechanisms are used, then simplicity is maintained, but safety against accidental detachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a catch hook that acts as a safety backup before accidental detachment can occur. This preliminary safety measure catches the attachment tool if the primary locking mechanism fails, preventing injury and damage while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 cost-effective, safe, and versatile attachment device with reduced design complexity, enhanced operational reliability, and lower risks of misoperation, enabling efficient use in various trench and pipeline construction scenarios while minimizing the risk of injury and operational errors.
Implementation Method 1
a conical bolt for secure locking
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical safety device to prevent accidental detachment
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment tool device (10), in particular an attachment compactor (10), which can be coupled to an excavator, with a housing (12) comprising a lower part (16) and an upper part (14) which are connected via flexible ruff devices (18), and an interchangeable attachment tool (22), in particular a compactor plate (22), wherein the attachment tool (22) can be detachably fixed to the housing (12) by means of a locking device, wherein the lower part of the housing (16) is essentially formed in one piece as a cast part.