Excavator Quick-Change Coupling Integrating Hydraulic and Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching tools to excavator booms primarily focus on hydraulic connections, neglecting the need for simultaneous electrical connections, which are essential for advanced features like slope control and electrical equipment operation.
Innovation Solution
The device integrates both hydraulic and electrical coupling parts, with the electrical coupling positioned away from the working device to minimize dirt exposure, and features recesses in the quick-change device and mounting plate to accommodate these components, ensuring secure and protected connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only hydraulic coupling parts are provided in existing devices, then hydraulic connection is achieved, but electrical connection capability is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydraulic coupling parts and electrical coupling parts into a single integrated coupling system. The electrical coupling parts (plug and socket) are integrated with the hydraulic coupling mechanism, allowing both hydraulic and electrical connections to be established simultaneously when the quick-change device couples the mounting plate to the excavator boom, thereby enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both hydraulic fluid transmission and electrical power/signaling transmission through a single coupling action. The quick-change device universally supports both hydraulic and electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and improving versatility while managing complexity
2Ease of operation
If electrical coupling parts are positioned near the working device, then connection is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical coupling parts are positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the hydraulic coupling parts. The plug and socket are arranged such that the electrical connection interface is offset from the primary working area, creating a spatial separation that reduces exposure to dirt and contamination while maintaining operational accessibility through the coupling mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for connecting an attachment (3) to an excavator boom includes at least one hydraulic coupling and at least one electrical coupling. The coupling components are connected to each other after the quick-change device (1) is attached to the mounting plate (2) mounted on the attachment (3). The hydraulic coupling components and those of the electrical coupling are located, on one side, in the area of the locking guide (9) of the quick-change device (1) and, on the other side, in the area of the locking receptacle (5) of the mounting plate (2). The electrical coupling components are located on the quick-change device (1) on the side facing the excavator boom and on the mounting plate (2) on the side of the hydraulic coupling components facing away from the attachment (3).