Excavator Coupler Gravity Safety Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for excavators lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent attachments from disengaging during hydraulic failure, posing a risk of accidental detachment and operational hazards.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring inter-linked hydraulic actuators and a gravity-actuated blocking member that ensures the second latching member remains in a latching state even if the primary actuator fails, along with a pivoting mechanism that allows the blocking member to move into a blocking state, preventing disengagement of the attachment pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulically operated latching hook is used for engaging attachment pins, then the coupler can be operated with ease and speed, but the attachment may become disengaged in the event of hydraulic failure
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is provided that automatically moves into a blocking state under gravity to prevent the latching hook from disengaging if hydraulic pressure is lost. This beforehand protective measure ensures that even if the hydraulic system fails, the attachment pin remains secured by the blocking member's mechanical barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary safety element between the hydraulic latching system and the attachment pin. It mediates the failure mode by providing a passive mechanical backup that engages when hydraulic pressure is lost, preventing direct disengagement of the attachment.
2Reliability
If a blocking member is added to prevent disengagement during hydraulic failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be self-actuating through gravity. When the coupler is in the working orientation, gravity automatically moves the blocking member into the blocking state without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism adds reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a complex hydraulic control system with a simple gravity-based mechanical mechanism for the blocking member. Instead of using hydraulic actuators to control the blocking member, gravity alone provides the actuating force, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the safety function.
3Reliability
If the blocking member is positioned to always block the second latching member, then safety is maximized, but the coupler cannot be properly operated or disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. It moves between a blocking state (when gravity acts on it in the working orientation) and a non-blocking state (when the coupler is tilted or inverted). This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide safety during operation while enabling proper coupling and uncoupling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member provides blocking functionality only in specific local conditions (when in the working orientation and subject to gravity), while allowing movement in other conditions. This localized application of the blocking function maintains safety where needed without interfering with operational requirements.
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 reliable safety mechanism that maintains attachment security during hydraulic failures, ensuring the attachment remains securely engaged with the coupler, even if one actuator fails, thereby enhancing operational safety and preventing accidental detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking member is movable into and out of the blocking state under the influence of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The first and second actuating means may comprise at least one respective hydraulic actuator controlled by a common hydraulic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for an excavator, the coupler having a body with first and second spaced-apart recesses for receiving respective pins of an excavator attachment. A first latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the first recess. A second latching hook is movable into and out of a latching state in which it is capable of retaining a respective attachment pin in the second recess. A blocking member may be provided that is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it lies in the path of the second latching member to prevent the second latching member from leaving its latching state. The blocking member may be movable into and out of the blocking state under the influence of gravity.