Excavator Attachment Tool Mechanical Safety Catch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment tool devices with interchangeable tools face safety concerns due to the risk of unintentional detachment during incorrect operation, which can lead to dangerous situations for operators, and require complex sensor systems for monitoring and adaptation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical safety device is integrated into the attachment tool device, featuring a catch element fastened to the housing that secures the attachment tool against falling, even when the locking device is unlocked, thereby preventing unintentional detachment and reducing the risk of injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor system is used to monitor attachment coupling, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex sensor-based monitoring systems with a simple mechanical locking device that passively prevents attachment detachment. The mechanical catch and locking mechanism provide inherent safety without requiring electronic sensors, programming, or complex installation, thus improving reliability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical locking device is added to prevent detachment, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a catch element for preventing detachment, a locking mechanism with locking and unlocking positions, and coupling sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply and reliably, improving safety while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the locking device is made robust to prevent accidental unlocking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device employs dynamic characteristics where the locking mechanism can be easily shifted between locked and unlocked positions through deliberate operator action, while the mechanical catch provides passive, robust prevention of accidental detachment. The system adapts its restraint level based on the operational state, being flexible during intentional operation but rigid against accidental forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3564443B1Attachment tool device

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 MTS SCHRODE AG

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AI summary

An attachment tool device (10), in particular an attachment compactor (10), which can be coupled to an excavator, with a housing (12) and an interchangeable attachment tool (22), in particular a compactor plate (22), wherein the attachment tool (22) can be detachably fixed to the housing (12) by means of a locking device (47), is designed and further developed in such a way as to increase the safety when operating attachment tool devices with interchangeable attachment tools by means of simple design means, such that a mechanical locking device (60) is provided which secures the attachment tool (22) to the attachment tool device (10) in particular against falling off when the locking device (47) is not locked.