Excavator Coupler with Resilient Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic couplers for excavators lack indication of failure, posing safety hazards due to potential detachment of attachments during hydraulic failure or operator misuse, and require multiple hydraulic cylinders for effective locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring a resiliently deformable member that acts between the actuating means and the blocking member, allowing for indirect operation of the blocking member and enabling the use of a single hydraulic actuator to lock and unlock both front and rear locking members, with a gravity-actuated blocking lever to prevent detachment in case of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direct connection or separate hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the front lock, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the front hook retracts when the cylinder is actuated and multiple hydraulic cylinders are required
Solution Approach 1:
A resiliently deformable member is introduced as an intermediary between the actuating means and the blocking member. This mediator transfers the actuating force while allowing for the necessary movement and orientation changes, enabling a single hydraulic cylinder to effectively control both locking members without causing unwanted hook retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates both the rear locking member directly and indirectly actuates the front blocking member through the resiliently deformable member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hydraulic cylinders while maintaining effective control over both locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If safety devices are fitted to prevent attachment separation, then safety is improved, but there is little or no indication of failure having taken place
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable member serves as a feedback mechanism that provides visible or detectable indication of the blocking member's state. When the blocking member moves into its blocking position, the resilient member's deformation state provides information about the locking status, allowing operators to detect whether the attachment is properly secured or if a failure has occurred
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable member may incorporate visual indicators such as color changes or position markers that clearly indicate whether the blocking member is in its blocking state or not. This visual feedback system allows operators to quickly assess the locking status without complex instrumentation
3Ease of operation
If a gravity pendulum device is used to actuate the front lock, then the front lock only releases in certain coupler orientations, but two hydraulic cylinders are required
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable member acts as an intermediary that translates the orientation-dependent movement of the gravity pendulum into effective blocking action. This mediator allows the single hydraulic cylinder to work in conjunction with the gravity pendulum mechanism, achieving orientation-dependent locking without requiring a second hydraulic cylinder
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 means to detect failure of the primary actuating means by moving the attachment pin into a detectable position, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of detachment, while allowing for efficient operation with a single hydraulic cylinder, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable member acting between the actuating means and the blocking member whereby said resiliently deformable member can deflect should the blocking member be obstructed to avoid excessive loading on the actuating means
Implementation Method 2
with a gravity-actuated blocking lever to prevent detachment in case of failure
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for an excavator has first and second recesses for receiving first and second pins, respectively, of an attachment. A latching member is movable into and out of a latching state in which it closes the second pin-receiving recess. A blocking member is movable into and out of a blocking state in which it closes the first pin-receiving recess. An actuator is provided for moving the first latching member into and out of the latching state, the actuator acting indirectly upon the blocking member to move the blocking member into and out of its blocking state as the latching member is moved into and out of its latching state. Preferably the actuator acts upon the blocking member via a resiliently deformable member acting between the actuator and the blocking member whereby the resilient member can deflect should the blocking member be obstructed to avoid excessive loading on the actuator.