Lifting Coupling Device Clamping Tong Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for lifting tools have complex mechanisms requiring multiple hydraulic piston-cylinder units and locking levers, leading to increased overall height and difficulty in handling and docking, as well as a risk of unintentional opening of clamping tongs.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with clamping tongs that utilize a locking element to eliminate the need for a groove below the flange-shaped edge and incorporate a sliding hook with automatic lubrication and a lever arm mechanism, allowing for simpler and safer operation by reducing the number of required hydraulic units and enhancing maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple hydraulic piston-cylinder units and locking levers are used to actuate each hook, then the coupling device achieves reliable hook actuation and prevention of unintentional opening, but the overall height increases and handling and docking become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehook actuation reliabilityVSAvoidhandling and docking ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hydraulic piston-cylinder units and locking levers are merged into a single integrated locking element that acts on all clamping tongs simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reliability of hook actuation and prevention of unintentional opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs the functions of actuating all hooks, locking them in position, and preventing unintentional opening. This universal component replaces multiple specialized components, reducing overall height and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a groove is provided below the flange-shaped edge of the coupling piece, then the clamping tongs can be opened, but the locking element cannot engage properly and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping tong openingVSAvoidsafety against unintentional opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The groove below the flange-shaped edge, which caused safety issues, is completely removed from the design. The locking element engages directly with the flange-shaped edge without requiring a groove, thereby eliminating the safety risk while maintaining the ability to open clamping tongs when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to engage with the flange-shaped edge in a predetermined manner that inherently prevents unintentional opening. The engagement geometry is pre-configured to provide safety without requiring additional grooves or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coupling device is designed with high overall height to accommodate multiple components, then sufficient space is provided for component operation, but the device becomes difficult to manipulate and dock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent operation spaceVSAvoidmanipulation and docking ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components distributed vertically to provide operation space are merged into a compact integrated locking element. This consolidation maintains sufficient space for component operation while reducing the overall height, making the device easier to manipulate and dock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2718220B1Coupling device for lifting means
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 VILLIGER PUBLIC SYST
  • EP2718220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2718220B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2718220B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The invention relates to a novel coupling device (80) for lifting means, for coupling to a refuse container comprising a mushroom-shaped coupling piece, in order to lift said container. The coupling device comprises first coupling elements for latching over the coupling piece. The first coupling elements are formed by jaw grippers (1) that comprise clamping jaws (2, 3) which can be brought into the clamping position with the aid of locking means (20).