Excavator Implement Coupling Tiltrotator Narrow Passage Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator tilting and rotating implement coupling systems, such as tiltrotators, often obstruct narrow passages due to the placement of tilting cylinders, limiting maneuverability in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus for an excavator that integrates a hydraulic cylinder assembly with breakout and tilting functions, allowing the implement coupling to rotate about a tilt axis and pivot about a breakout axis extending at an angle, enabling both breakout and tilting movements while allowing for a more compact design and improved maneuverability in narrow passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tiltrotator systems with two tilting cylinders are used, then the implement can perform rotation and tilting movements, but the tilting cylinders mounted at the sides of the arm implement coupling member and rotator prevent the excavator from working in narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the breakout function and tilting function into a single integrated hydraulic cylinder assembly. The breakout cylinder is positioned to work in conjunction with the implement coupling's breakout axis and tilt axis, allowing both breakout and tilting movements to be achieved through one compact hydraulic system rather than separate cylinders, thereby enabling operation in narrow passages
Solution Approach 2:
The implement coupling is designed with a universal attachment device that enables both rotation about a tilt axis and pivot about a breakout axis. This multi-functional design allows the same structural components to perform multiple operations (breakout and tilting) without requiring additional separate mechanisms, reducing the overall spatial footprint
2Device complexity
If a compact hydraulic cylinder assembly integrating breakout and tilting functions is used, then maneuverability in narrow passages is improved, but the system must achieve both breakout and tilting movements with integrated components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (breakout cylinder, linkages, pivot points) that work together in an integrated manner. The breakout axis and tilt axis are separated as distinct rotational paths, allowing the compact assembly to achieve both breakout and tilting movements through coordinated action of its segmented parts
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
Enables the excavator to perform complex movements like rotation, tilting, and breakout in narrow spaces, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing the physical constraints imposed by traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder assembly for breaking out and tilting the implement coupling, which hydraulic cylinder assembly is connectable with the arm
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for an excavator for providing its implement with a tilting function, the apparatus comprising: - an implement coupling, which is rotatably connectable with an arm of the excavator, at a first connection portion at an implement end of the arm, via an attachment device, wherein the attachment device is arranged to enable the implement coupling to rotate about a tilt axis, and to pivot about a breakout axis, which extends at an angle to the tilt axis; and - a hydraulic cylinder assembly for breaking out and tilting the implement coupling, which hydraulic cylinder assembly is connectable with the arm at a second connection portion at a distance from the first connection portion, and which is connected with the implement coupling.