Front Loader Locking Bolt Ramp Guidance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front loader arrangements for vehicles, particularly agricultural vehicles, face complex manufacturing and assembly costs due to intricate designs and arrangements of locking mechanisms, which complicate the coupling and uncoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A front loader arrangement featuring a pivoting bolt with adjusting means that allows for easy coupling and uncoupling by guiding the bolt over a ramp with catch hooks, utilizing a spring-loaded support mechanism and a hydraulic accumulator to facilitate relative movement between the mounting mast and frame, enabling automatic locking and unlocking without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded locking bolt with actuating elements is used for automatic locking, then locking automation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex actuating elements from the locking mechanism and replaces them with a simple manual operating element. The locking bolt is designed to be actuated directly by a manual operating element on the mounting mast, eliminating the need for complex spring-loaded actuating elements while maintaining automatic locking functionality through the ramp-guided coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a spring-loaded bolt that pushes into alignment, the patent inverts the approach by using a manually actuated bolt that is guided into position by the ramp structure during coupling. The ramp guides the mounting mast and the locking bolt automatically aligns and engages with the connection openings through this guided movement, reversing the traditional spring-push mechanism
2Reliability
If multiple catch hooks and bearing bolts are used for coupling, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple catch hooks and bearing bolts into a single integrated locking bolt with a head portion and a locking portion. The locking bolt simultaneously performs the functions of alignment, engagement, and locking that were previously distributed across multiple separate components, reducing the number of parts while maintaining coupling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bolt is designed as a multi-functional component that combines the alignment function (through its head portion engaging the ramp), the connection function (through the locking portion engaging the connection opening), and the locking function (through engagement with the mounting frame). This universal component replaces multiple specialized components with a single element that performs all necessary coupling functions
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
This design simplifies the coupling and uncoupling process, reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and allows for flexible alignment of the mounting mast with the attachment frame, improving operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
During a relative movement in which the mounting mast is removed from the carrier vehicle or from the mounting frame, i.e. when uncoupling, the support means can be pushed or pressed or held in the direction of the pivot axis of the swivel bolt against the end of the swivel arm by the frictional forces acting between the ramp and the support means
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded locking bolt, which can be actuated via actuating elements formed on a mounting mast and on a mounting frame, in that the actuating elements trigger a locking by moving relative to one another, such that the locking bolt is guided by spring force in the connection openings formed on the mounting mast and on the mounting frame
Data Source
AI summary
A front loader assembly (12) with a mounting frame (16) and a mounting mast (18) is proposed, wherein the mounting mast (18) can be coupled to and detached from the mounting frame (16), and wherein a locking device is provided for locking the front loader assembly (12), which includes a pivoting bolt (54) that can be pivoted between a locking position and an unlocking position. To enable easy coupling and uncoupling, it is proposed that the pivoting bolt (54) includes actuating means designed such that a pivoting movement of the pivoting bolt (54) into the locking position is blocked during a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for uncoupling, and is released during a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for coupling.