Automatic Front Loader Coupling via Guided Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automatically coupling front loaders to work vehicles are inefficient, requiring manual intervention and lacking in reliability and safety, especially when aligning the front loader's column with the work vehicle's mounting console.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coupling method using locking elements and line coupling devices that align and lock the front loader's column with the work vehicle's mounting console through a controlled movement, allowing for secure attachment without the driver needing to leave the cab, utilizing actuators and sensors for precise alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling methods are used, then the driver can directly control the coupling process, but the driver must leave the cab and manual intervention is required, reducing efficiency and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs automatic alignment and locking without requiring driver intervention. The front loader column automatically aligns with the mounting console using guide surfaces, and locking elements engage automatically, allowing the system to service itself during the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated mechanical system. Actuators drive locking elements to engage with locking recesses, and guide surfaces provide automatic alignment, substituting the driver's manual actions with automated mechanical mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If automatic coupling is implemented, then driver intervention is reduced, but alignment precision between column and mounting console becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Guide surfaces act as intermediaries between the front loader column and the mounting console. These surfaces facilitate automatic alignment by providing a mechanical interface that guides the column into the correct position during the approach movement, ensuring precise alignment without requiring high manufacturing tolerances on all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces perform preliminary alignment action before the locking elements engage. During the approach movement, the guide surfaces establish the correct relative position between the column and mounting console, preparing the system for subsequent locking without requiring precise initial positioning.
3Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (first and second locking elements) that can engage with corresponding locking recesses. This segmentation allows each locking element to independently contribute to coupling reliability while maintaining modular simplicity in the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking elements are combined within a single automated coupling system, driven by actuators that coordinate their engagement. This merging of multiple locking functions into one integrated automated process increases reliability without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as the actuators manage all locking actions through a unified control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically coupling a front loader (1) to a work vehicle. The work vehicle, with an attachment tower (20), first approaches the front loader (1) in a direction of travel (14). A (first) locking of a column (2) of the front loader (1) is achieved by moving a locking element (24) of an attachment bracket (33) in a direction of movement transverse to the direction of travel (14) from an unlocked position to a locked position, in which the locking element (24) engages in a locking recess (17) of the column (2) of the front loader (1).