Integrally Cast Coupler for Earth Moving Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing couplers for earth moving and materials handling machines lack efficiency in securely attaching and detaching implements without requiring the operator to leave their operating position, particularly due to variability in pin diameters and spacings across different implements.

Innovation Solution

A coupler design featuring a coupler body with integral hydraulic cylinder and locking mechanism, allowing for the secure engagement and disengagement of implements with varying pin diameters and spacings through a hydraulic actuated locking system, which can be cast as a single piece for reduced complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional separate-component couplers are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupler assembly complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coupler body, hydraulic cylinder body, and locking member into a single integrally cast component. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of these parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through single-piece casting processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrally cast coupler performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the structural coupler body, houses the hydraulic cylinder, and provides the locking mechanism through the integrated locking member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining all necessary coupler operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If quick couplers are used to allow operator attachment/removal from cab, then operational efficiency improves, but secure locking reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement attachment speedVSAvoidlocking security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder integrated into the coupler body to actuate the locking member. Hydraulic actuation provides powerful, controlled movement for rapid locking and unlocking operations, enabling quick implement changes while ensuring secure locking through the forceful engagement of the locking member with the pin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 attachment/detachment of implements without operator repositioning, accommodating a range of pin diameters and spacings, and is suitable for machines under 7,500 kg, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic cylinder body and shaft for extending or retracting the locking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10280588B2Coupler for earth moving or materials handling machine

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 CASCADE CORPORATION

AI summary

A coupler is configured to couple an implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine. The coupler includes a locking member for locking a pin of an implement into a coupler in the recess. The locking member is driven by a hydraulic arrangement, with the hydraulic cylinder body being formed integrally with either the coupler body or the locking member. The coupler may be adapted to accommodate a range of implement pin spacings and/or diameters, so that the coupler can be used with different implements and in particular with different makes of implement.