Excavator Multi-Tool Assembly With Internal Hydraulic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic excavators face challenges in maintaining the robustness and protection of moving parts, particularly hydraulic components, from harsh operating environments, which can lead to tool failures and operational disruptions in demanding conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tool assembly for hydraulic excavators featuring a tubular casing with a rotary hydraulic actuator and a drive axle, allowing for controlled rotation of working tools and a separately pivotable thumb, with the hydraulic components and lines protected within the casing to prevent exposure to severe environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic components and lines are positioned on the outside of the stick away from working parts, then ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but protection from harsh operating environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic lines inside the stick structure, nesting the hydraulic components within the protective enclosure of the stick rather than positioning them externally. This resolves the contradiction by providing environmental protection while maintaining operational accessibility through the integrated design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple working tools and quick-connect mounting components are added, then adaptability and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal quick-connect mounting system that allows multiple different working tools to be attached to the same stick assembly. The standardized connection interface and mounting components enable tool changes without increasing the fundamental complexity of the stick structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bucket arrangements are coupled with additional support tools like thumbs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and interference with machine operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thumb support tool directly with the bucket assembly, merging the grasping function into the primary working tool rather than adding it as a separate attachment. This combination reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the enhanced adaptability for different material handling tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic excavator tool adapted to be secured to the distal working end of an excavator boom including a main tool assembly with a tool framework, a spaced apart pair of connection flanges fast with the tool framework, and, a structural tubular casing integral with the tool framework extending across and through the tool framework and through the flanges, plus a rotary hydraulic actuator within the tubular casing extending between the connection flanges and providing a rotational drive motion to a drive axle extending between the connection flanges adapted to provide a controlled rotary drive motion of the axle adjacent the connection flanges, and a working tool framework fast to the axle adjacent each of the connection flanges for relative controlled rotation of the working tool framework about the drive axle between the tool framework and a working position.