Work Vehicle Implement Coupling With Dual Lock Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of coupling implements to work vehicles is time-consuming and inefficient, and the force rating of implements is limited due to the transmission of forces through vehicle arms, which restricts their operational capacity.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a first lock assembly with a latch and hooks on the vehicle arm and a second lock assembly with pins on the vehicle frame, allowing for efficient coupling of implements to both the arm and the frame, thereby increasing the force rating by directly transferring horizontal forces to the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If implements are coupled to the work vehicle through the arm only, then the coupling process is simple, but the force rating is limited due to force transmission through the arm
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate lock assemblies: a first lock assembly that couples the implement to the arm, and a second lock assembly that couples the implement to the frame. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed to both the arm and the frame, increasing the overall force rating while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system transitions from a single-point coupling (arm only) to a multi-point coupling system that includes both the arm and the frame. By adding the vertical dimension of frame coupling in addition to the horizontal arm coupling, the system increases its load-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If the coupling process is simplified, then the coupling time is reduced, but the security and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assemblies are designed with self-locking mechanisms where the latches automatically engage with the bars and pins when the implement is positioned on the work vehicle. The actuators drive the latches into the locked position, and the curved inner surfaces of the latches automatically trap the bars, providing self-verifying secure connection without requiring manual verification steps
Solution Approach 2:
Manual coupling operations are replaced with automated actuators that drive the latches and pins into their locked positions. This mechanical substitution reduces coupling time while ensuring consistent, reliable engagement through controlled actuation rather than manual manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A system to couple an implement to a work vehicle includes a first lock assembly coupled to an arm of the work vehicle. The first lock assembly includes a latch. The first lock assembly also includes a first hook and a second hook positioned on opposite lateral sides of the latch. The first lock assembly further includes a first actuator configured to drive rotation of the latch to trap a laterally-extending bar of the implement between a curved inner surface of the latch and respective curved bar-contacting surfaces of the first and second hooks to form a first connection that couples the implement to the work vehicle.