Internal Locking Ring for Hydraulic Hammer Tool Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic hammer systems suffer from poor durability and inefficiency in tool replacement due to the violent nature of demolition processes, leading to significant wear and limited accessibility for tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic hammer system with a locking mechanism that includes a ring channel and a locking ring with splines, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment of tools without additional equipment, reducing exposure to damage and facilitating easy tool swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock collar with exposed positioning at the opening of the hammer is used, then tool attachment and detachment is simplified, but durability deteriorates due to poor protection from damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the traditional exposed lock collar configuration and repositioned to utilize the internal chamber space of the hammer. The locking ring with splines operates within the chamber rather than at the opening, removing it from the dangerous exposed position while maintaining tool coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber of the hammer serves as an intermediary protective environment for the locking mechanism. By placing the locking ring inside the chamber, the system mediates between the need for easy tool coupling and the need for protection from demolition-related damage, allowing the locking mechanism to operate in a safer, more protected location.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then tool retention is achieved, but tool replacement efficiency deteriorates due to limited accessibility and need for additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: a locking ring with splines that can rotate independently, and a tool shank with corresponding grooves. This segmentation allows the tool to be quickly coupled by rotating the locking ring into engagement with the splines, and quickly decoupled by reversing the rotation, enabling efficient tool replacement without additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from static to dynamic operation. The locking ring can rotate to engage or disengage from the tool shank splines, providing a dynamic coupling system that allows quick tool changes. The rotational movement enables the operator to lock or unlock the tool by simple rotational motion accessible from the chamber.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is positioned at the opening of the hammer, then tool coupling is accessible, but exposure to damage increases due to the violent nature of demolition
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is relocated from the one-dimensional exposed opening position to the three-dimensional internal chamber space. This dimensional change allows the locking ring to operate within the protected volume of the chamber, removing it from the direct path of demolition forces while maintaining accessibility through the chamber opening.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system configured to couple a hydraulic hammer (30) and tool (25) is disclosed. A hydraulic hammer (30) may include a housing (34) defining a chamber (36), elongate along a longitudinal axis, configured to receive a tool (25). The chamber (36) may comprise an opening (54) through which the tool (25) may be inserted. A plurality of upper splines (58) and a plurality of lower splines (60) may be disposed, parallel to the longitudinal axis, on an inner surface (62) of the chamber (36). A locking mechanism (64), comprising a rotatable locking ring (68), may be disposed within the chamber (36) between the plurality of upper splines (58) and the plurality of lower splines (60). The locking ring (68) may comprise a plurality of locking ring splines (70) disposed on an inner surface (72) of the locking ring (68), wherein the plurality of locking ring splines (70) are configured to align with the plurality of upper splines (58) and the plurality of lower splines (60) when the locking ring (68) is rotated to an unlocked state.