Excavator Quick Coupler Pivot Retaining Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers for work machines face issues with unequal force application during tool coupling and uncoupling, leading to potential damage from torque-induced bending moments on hydraulic seals and difficulty in accommodating additional equipment due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a pivotably connected retaining body and actuator assemblies that allow translation and pivoting movement, decoupling actuators from bending moments and providing space for power supply mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the retaining body is connected rigidly to the mount, then the structure is simple and strong, but the hydraulic seals may be damaged by torque-induced bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining body is segmented from the mount through the introduction of a pivot connection. This segmentation allows the retaining body to rotate independently about the pivot axis, decoupling it from bending moments that would otherwise be transmitted to the rigid mount and hydraulic actuators, thereby protecting hydraulic seals while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the retaining body and mount is changed from a rigid fixed connection to a rotational pivot connection. This parameter change in the connection type allows the system to accommodate torque-induced rotation without transmitting damaging bending moments to the hydraulic system, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and seal reliability.
2Reliability
If the actuators are connected to the central region of the retaining body, then bending moments are reduced, but the available space for additional equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection introduces an additional rotational degree of freedom about an axis perpendicular to the actuator connection points. This dimensional change allows the retaining body to rotate without compromising actuator performance, while the rotation capability and reconfigurable geometry create additional space for accommodating power supply mechanisms and other equipment.
3Strength
If the retaining body is made heavy to withstand large forces, then the tool can be securely retained, but the coupling and uncoupling process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining body is made dynamic through the pivot connection, allowing it to rotate during the coupling and uncoupling process. This dynamic capability enables the retaining portions to quickly engage and disengage the tool by rotating about the pivot axis, significantly increasing coupling speed while the retaining portions themselves remain substantial enough to provide secure retention when engaged.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A coupling assembly (30) includes a mount (31) for receiving a tool (20) to releasably mount the tool in a mounted position on a work machine (1), and a retaining body (50) comprising retaining portions (51, 51') and movable relative to the mount (31) between a release position and a retaining position in which the retaining portions (51, 51') retain the tool (20) in the mounted position. The retaining body (50) is movable in translation and also pivotable relative to the mount (31) about a pivot axis (X2) arranged between the retaining portions (51, 51'). Two actuator assemblies (60, 60') are pivotably attached to the retaining body (50) between the pivot axis (X2) and the respective retaining portions (51, 51') to move the retaining body (50) in translation between the release position and the retaining position. The actuator assemblies (60, 60') may be arranged at opposite sides of the mount (31) providing space for a power supply mechanism (70) arranged in-between them.