Hydraulic Exchange System for Grapple Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual fastening and unfastening of grapples on machines is cumbersome, time-consuming, and unsafe, with moveable components often falling apart during assembly or exchange, posing hazards to operators and the environment.
Innovation Solution
An exchange system for grapple assemblies that includes pivotally coupled arms and hydraulic cylinders, with locking mechanisms using elongated fastener pins and discs to facilitate quick and secure attachment and detachment of grapple shells, minimizing human intervention and preventing axial movement during exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fastening and unfastening of grapples is used, then the attachment can be securely connected, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grapple assembly performs self-service through automated functions: the hydraulic cylinder automatically opens the grapple shells, and the positioning system with locking pins automatically secures the assembly during exchange, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical fastening operations are replaced by a hydraulic actuation system that automatically opens the grapple shells and a mechanical positioning system with locking pins that automatically secures the assembly, substituting human labor with automated mechanical-hydraulic systems
2Reliability
If manual fastening and unfastening of grapples is used, then the attachment can be securely connected, but the process becomes unsafe for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates operator involvement in hazardous fastening operations by enabling self-service: the hydraulic cylinder automatically opens the grapple shells and the positioning system with locking pins automatically secures the assembly, removing operators from exposure to heavy moving components
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system prevents hazardous situations by preliminary action: locking pins are positioned to prevent axial movement of grapple shells during exchange before any potential hazard can occur, and the hydraulic system prepares the grapple opening before detachment begins
3Ease of operation
If moveable components are allowed to move freely during assembly, then the exchange process is simpler, but components may fall apart and cause hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system performs preliminary action by providing guides that align and position the grapple shells correctly before the exchange operation completes, ensuring components are properly positioned and secured before they could potentially fall apart
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system acts as an intermediary between the grapple shells and the final secured state: guides provide mechanical guidance during movement, and locking pins serve as intermediaries that secure the shells in place, preventing uncontrolled movement and potential hazards
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
Enables quick, safe, and efficient exchange of grapple shells with reduced human intervention, preventing accidental movement and ensuring secure attachment, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic cylinder (122) and a second hydraulic cylinder (124) configured to pivotally move the first arm (128) and the second arm (130), respectively
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An exchange system (126) for an implement (104) having a plurality of moveable components (116, 118) with inner openings (302, 304) and outer openings (306, 308) is provided. The exchange system (126) includes a frame (108) and a first and second arm (128, 130) having an inner end (202, 204) and an outer end (206, 208). First and second inner pins (214, 216) are provided to pivotally couple the respective arms (128, 130) to the frame (108) at the inner ends (202, 204). First and second hydraulic cylinder (122, 24) is disposed between the frame (108) and the first and the second arm (128, 130). The first and the second hydraulic cylinders (122, 124) are configured to pivot the first and the second arm (128, 130) about the first and the second inner pins (214, 216). A first and second outer pin (230, 232) is disposed at the outer ends (206, 208) of the first and the second arms (128, 130). The inner pins (214, 216) include a protruded portion (218, 220) to be received within the inner openings (302, 304), such that rotation of the inner pins (214, 216) locks the inner pins (214, 216) within the inner openings (302, 304).