Excavator Coupler with Gravity-Operated Backup Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for attaching accessories to excavators lack sufficient automatic and visible backup safety mechanisms to prevent accidental decoupling, especially when the primary securement mechanisms fail, and they do not allow fully automatic operation without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design with three latches, where one latch is powered and the other two are mechanically linked, providing a secondary securement mechanism that can be automatically engaged and visible from the cab, allowing fully automatic coupling and decoupling while preventing accidental disengagement, and incorporating a gravity-operated member for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single powered latch is used for securing accessories, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety against accidental decoupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch functions into a unified system where a first latch and second latch work together with mechanical linkage. The latches are coordinated so that when one is actuated, the other is automatically positioned, creating a redundant securement system that improves reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup safety mechanism where the second latch serves as a failsafe against accidental decoupling. If the primary powered latch fails or is accidentally actuated, the second latch remains engaged to prevent accessory detachment, providing beforehand protection against potential failures.
2Extent of automation
If manual intervention is required for latch operation, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the extent of automation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gravity-operated member that automatically positions itself based on the excavator arm's orientation. When the arm is in the correct position, gravity causes the member to engage or disengage latches without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating and fully automatic while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic ram to power the first latch, enabling automatic actuation of the latching mechanism. The hydraulic system provides controlled, powerful movement that can be operated from within the excavator cab, achieving full automation while maintaining ease of operation through remote control.
3Reliability
If a gravity-operated member is added for backup security, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the gravity-operated member to work in harmony with the excavator's natural operating positions. The member is positioned and weighted so that it automatically engages or disengages based on the arm's orientation, utilizing the existing gravitational field without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems, thus minimizing added complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple latches are used to prevent accidental decoupling, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the second latch in advance to provide backup security before the coupling operation is complete. The second latch is pre-configured to engage automatically when the first latch is actuated, ensuring that redundant security is established before the accessory is fully secured, thereby preventing accidental decoupling without requiring additional operational steps.
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 ensures secure attachment and detachment of accessories without manual intervention, providing enhanced safety through automatic and visible backup mechanisms, preventing accidental decoupling and accommodating various accessory pin spacings.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity-operated member having a first state—the jaw-open or jaw-unlocked state, and a second state—the jaw-closed or jaw-locked state, the gravity-operated member at least partially closing the jaw of the coupler when it is in its first state
Data Source
AI summary
Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.