Front Loader Mast Coupling Quick-Attach Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front loader mounting arrangements require multiple trips by the operator to connect and disconnect the front loader from the work vehicle, increasing cycle time and reducing productivity and operator satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A mast coupling arrangement that allows the front loader to be coupled to the work vehicle in a single trip, featuring a mounting bracket with a load element and a multi-sided bar that aligns with a notch on the mounting frame, enabling the second mast connector to be inserted for secure attachment, thus facilitating quick and efficient connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mounting arrangements are used, then the front loader can be securely attached to the work vehicle, but the operator must make multiple trips from the work vehicle to attach the front loader and hydraulic cylinders, increasing cycle time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate components: a first mounting bracket portion attached to the work vehicle, and a second mounting bracket portion attached to the front loader. These segments connect through a quick-attach mechanism that allows rapid coupling and decoupling without requiring the operator to make multiple trips between the vehicle and loader.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are pre-positioned and pre-configured on both the work vehicle and front loader. The quick-attach mechanism includes pre-aligned connection points and engagement features that enable immediate coupling when brought together, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple connection points are used to secure the front loader, then the attachment is more reliable, but the complexity of the mounting arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single integrated quick-attach mechanism. The mechanism simultaneously provides mechanical connection, alignment, and locking functions through one unified device rather than requiring separate components for each function, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket design incorporates universal features that allow it to accommodate different front loader configurations and work vehicle types. The quick-attach mechanism serves multiple purposes: structural support, alignment reference, connection point, and locking mechanism, reducing the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A mast coupling arrangement (8) for mounting a front loader (12) to a work vehicle (10) at a mounting frame (86) defining connection points (150, 152) and a load point (154) includes a mounting bracket (100) mounted at an end of a mast of the front loader, and a first mast connector (104) removably coupling the mounting bracket and one of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached. The mast coupling arrangement includes a load element (102) mounted to the mast that, when the front loader is attached, is in load transferring contact with the load point of the mounting frame. The mast coupling arrangement includes a second mast connector (88) removably coupling the mounting bracket and another of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached to. The second mast connector and the associated connection point of the mounting frame are separable when the front loader is attached.