Excavator Quick-Swap Coupling With Spring-Loaded Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change couplings for excavator arms are either expensive and complex with high maintenance needs or tedious and time-consuming to operate, lacking in safety and ease of use, particularly in semi-automatic and manual modes.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic quick-change coupling design that uses a movable operating lever and clamping lever, allowing the locking element to automatically transition from an open to a closed position without manual intervention, ensuring safe and efficient operation by requiring both hands to operate and preventing accidental detachment through a coordinated mechanical linkage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fully automatic quick-change coupling with actuators is used, then operating convenience is improved, but purchase cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic actuator systems with a simple mechanical lever system. The lever (35) directly transmits mechanical force to move the closing element (19), eliminating the need for expensive actuators while maintaining manual operation capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing automatic closing action through mechanical means rather than costly automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element (19) is designed with spring elements (55) that automatically move it from the open to closed position without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the lever (35) initiates the closing motion, the spring-driven mechanism completes the operation autonomously. This self-service characteristic improves operating convenience while avoiding the complexity of fully automated actuator systems.
2Device complexity
If a mechanical quick-change coupling is used, then purchase cost and maintenance effort are reduced, but coupling operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element (19) equipped with spring elements (55) performs the closing motion automatically once initiated. The operator only needs to move the lever (35) to start the process, after which the spring mechanism self-propels the closing element into the locked position. This dramatically reduces the time and effort required for coupling operations while maintaining a simple mechanical structure with low maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements (55) are pre-loaded to store energy that drives the closing element (19) into the closed position. This preliminary action is prepared in advance, so when the lever (35) is actuated, the stored energy immediately propels the closing mechanism forward, reducing the time required for the coupling operation without adding complex active systems.
3Device complexity
If the closing element is moved manually to the closed position, then device complexity is reduced, but operating safety deteriorates due to risk of hand injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The lever (35) serves as an intermediary tool that allows the operator to control the closing element (19) from a safe distance. Instead of hands being in the danger zone near the moving closing element, the operator manipulates the lever (35) which transmits force mechanically. This intermediary mechanism maintains simple device structure while eliminating direct hand exposure to moving parts, thus preventing hand injuries.
4Device complexity
If a locking element without automatic transition capability is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element (19) with integrated spring elements (55) automatically transitions to and locks in the closed position without requiring manual intervention after initiation. This self-locking capability speeds up the coupling process significantly, improving productivity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple. The automatic transition eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements (55) are pre-loaded to provide the force necessary for rapid closing and locking. This preliminary energy storage enables the closing element (19) to transition quickly to the locked position once triggered by the lever (35), thereby increasing coupling speed and productivity without requiring complex active locking mechanisms.
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 simplifies the coupling process, enhances safety by preventing hand injuries, and reduces maintenance needs by eliminating hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, while ensuring reliable operation and easy handling of attachments.
Implementation Method 1
The closing element (19) can be locked in the open position with the aid of an operating lever (25) and is prestressed in the open position by spring elements (55), as a result of which the closing element (19) is automatically moved into the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The closing element (19) is prestressed in the open position by spring elements (55)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-change coupling (11) for attaching an attachment to an excavator arm, comprising a receiving and fastening device (13), a fixed first insertion opening (16) formed or attached to a first end of the receiving and fastening device (13), and a movable locking element (19) arranged on the receiving and fastening device (13) with a second insertion opening. The locking element (19) can be moved from an open position, in which an attachment can be coupled or uncoupled, to a closed position, in which the attachment's retaining bolts are engaged and clamped through the insertion openings (16). The locking element (19) is pre-tensioned and lockable in the open position.