Excavator Coupler Safety Link and Jaw Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work attachment couplers for excavators face issues with mechanical failure due to wear and tear, safety risks during attachment and detachment, and the need for manual alignment of hydraulic connectors, which can lead to accidents and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring a safety link mechanism that requires multiple steps to release a work attachment, including a snap-lock mechanism for secure pin engagement and a guard system to protect connectors, allowing for automated alignment and protection from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retention member is pivotally mounted to the body to control pin retention, then the work attachment can be secured to the coupler, but the retention member is prone to mechanical failure due to wear and tear from pressure exerted by the moveable jaw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the pivotally mounted retention member and transfers it to the moveable jaw itself. The moveable jaw is configured such that its movement relative to the body directly controls pin retention, eliminating the need for a separate retention member that is subject to wear and mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable jaw is given multiple functions: it both secures the pin through its movement and controls the retention mechanism. By making the moveable jaw universally functional, the patent eliminates the separate retention member and reduces mechanical failure points.
2Reliability
If the retention member only secures the second pin when the first jaw is in the correct position, then the coupling mechanism works as designed, but the effectiveness is compromised if the actuator or moveable jaw fails in an inverted position, posing a safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a safety link that prevents the moveable jaw from moving into positions that would compromise safety. The safety link acts as a preliminary protective measure, blocking incorrect jaw positions before they can cause accidental detachment, even if the actuator fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety link provides a mechanical constraint that cushions against failure by preventing the moveable jaw from reaching positions where pin retention could be compromised. This preliminary protective constraint ensures safety even under failure conditions.
3Reliability
If the operator must manually retract the actuator to allow the retention member to secure the pin, then the mechanism works as designed, but accidents occur during the connection process because the pin is not immediately secured
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable jaw is pre-configured to automatically secure the pin as soon as it moves into the engaged position. This preliminary action of automatic pin securing eliminates the dangerous intermediate state where the pin is not yet retained, removing the need for manual actuator retraction and preventing accidents during connection.
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic connectors are exposed when not in use, then they can be easily connected, but they are susceptible to damage from knocks and contamination, leading to sealing issues and oil leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a guard system that acts as a protective shell over the hydraulic connectors when not in use. This guard protects the connectors from knocks and contamination while allowing easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements to work attachment assemblies and in particular work attachment assemblies for use with work machines such as excavators.