Hydraulic Tool Coupler Assembly Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool coupler assemblies for machines like excavators and backhoes lack efficient mechanisms for quick and secure interchanging of tools, leading to limited functionality and versatility, and often result in improper decoupling procedures that can cause damage or safety issues due to improper pressure management.
Innovation Solution
A tool coupler assembly with a hydraulic actuator system that includes a pressure valve and pressure-regulating element, allowing for controlled fluid flow to lock and unlock latches, ensuring secure tool attachment and detachment while managing pressure to prevent damage, and a method involving directed pressurized fluid to move linkages to an end-stop position before decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic piston is used to lock hooks in place against pins, then the security of tool attachment is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a hydraulic piston for locking, a decoupling mechanism for tool separation, and a linkage system for motion transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve secure attachment without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic piston actuated by fluid pressure to provide the locking force. The hydraulic system uses fluid under pressure to move the piston, which then engages the hook with the pin, providing reliable locking action that is easier to implement than purely mechanical spring-loaded systems.
2Productivity
If quick interchange of tools is enabled, then productivity is improved, but the risk of improper decoupling procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first moving the linkage to a predetermined end-stop position before allowing decoupling to occur. This preliminary positioning ensures that the tool is in a safe state before the locking mechanism is disengaged, preventing unexpected tool movement and reducing the risk of injury during quick tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system provides feedback through pressure sensing that monitors the state of the linkage and tool position. This feedback mechanism ensures that decoupling only occurs when the linkage is in the correct position, providing a safety interlock that prevents improper decoupling procedures even during rapid operations.
3Strength
If fluid pressure is increased to improve locking force, then the strength of attachment is improved, but the risk of damage to the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the fluid pressure parameter based on operational requirements. During normal operation, pressure is maintained at levels sufficient for secure locking without excessive force. During decoupling, the pressure is controlled to first move the linkage to the end-stop position before engaging the decoupling mechanism, preventing damage while maintaining adequate locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage is designed with an end-stop position that acts as a cushioning mechanism. Before the full locking force is applied, the linkage first moves to this predetermined position, which absorbs excess energy and prevents over-pressurization from damaging the assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects the components while still allowing sufficient locking force to be applied.
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 and secure interchanging of tools, ensures proper decoupling by maintaining desired tool positions and pressures, reducing the risk of damage and improving machine versatility and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator connected to move the second latch relative to the first latch and the coupler frame. The hydraulic actuator may have a first chamber, a second chamber separated from the first chamber, a first port in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a second port in fluid communication with the second chamber.
Implementation Method 2
a pressure valve having a check element movable to allow a flow of fluid into the first chamber via the first port based on a pressure of fluid in the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pressure-regulating element movable to allow a flow of fluid out of the first chamber via the first port based on a pressure of fluid in the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A tool coupler assembly for a machine. The tool coupler assembly may have a coupler frame, a first latch, a second latch, and a hydraulic actuator connected to move the second latch relative to the first latch and the coupler frame. The hydraulic actuator may have a first chamber, a second chamber, and a pressure valve with a check element movable to allow a flow of fluid into the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the first chamber, and a pressure regulating element movable to allow a flow of fluid out of the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the second chamber. The tool coupler assembly may additionally have a first pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the second chamber with the pressure-regulating element, and a second pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the first chamber with the pressure-regulating element.