Excavator Attachment Mounting Structure With Adjustable Pin Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator attachment mounting structures are not adjustable to fit different machine measurements, requiring custom fabrication for each variation in pin diameter, mounting width, and center distance, complicating the selection and fitment process.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting structure with adjustable ear plates and collar/pin assemblies that allow for large and fine adjustments in pin center distance, accommodating varying pin diameters and mounting widths using eccentric bores and sawtooth cutout patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom mounting structures are made for each variation in pin diameter, mounting width, and center distance, then the fitment precision for specific machines is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure uses a universal base plate with multiple elongated cutout patterns that can accommodate various pin diameters, mounting widths, and center distances through selective positioning of collar/pin assemblies, eliminating the need for custom structures for each machine variation
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs adjustable collar/pin assemblies that can be repositioned along elongated cutout patterns and rotated about pins, allowing dynamic adaptation to different machine measurements rather than being fixed for a single configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable collar/pin assemblies are used to accommodate varying measurements, then the adaptability to different excavator models is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure divides the adjustment functionality into separate modular components: a base plate with elongated cutout patterns for position adjustment, and collar/pin assemblies for diameter and width adjustment, allowing independent optimization of each function
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assemblies are designed to fit over the pins, with collars nesting onto pin ends, creating a compact hierarchical structure that reduces overall complexity while maintaining adjustability
3Measurement precision
If multiple collar/pin assemblies with eccentric bores are used for fine and large adjustments, then the measurement adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assemblies incorporate asymmetric eccentric bores where the bore center is offset from the collar center, allowing simultaneous achievement of large position adjustments through collar relocation and fine adjustments through collar rotation about the pin axis
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges two adjustment mechanisms (positioning along the elongated cutout and rotation about the pin) into a single integrated collar/pin assembly system, reducing the total number of separate components needed
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 flexible attachment fitting across different excavator models by allowing precise adjustment of pin center distance and width, simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for custom manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
Each collar has an eccentric bore configured to removably receive an associated end of the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting structure for changing attachments on a construction machine includes first and second ear plates mounted disposed in spaced relation. The ear plates include a first and second pair portions of elongated cutout patterns. First and second collar/pin assembly each includes a pin and a pair of collars. Each collar has an eccentric bore configured to removably receive each end of a pin and each collar has surfaces engaging complementary surfaces of one of the first or second pair portions of the elongated cutout patterns. The first and second collar/pin assemblies are configured such that a center distance between the pins can be adjusted 1) in large increments by moving either one or both of the first and second collar/pin assemblies within the respective pair portion of the elongated cutout patterns, and 2) in small increments by axial rotation of a pair of collars about a respective pin of one or both of the collar/pin assemblies.