Loader Conduit Coupler Mounting Plate for Operator Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conduit couplers for power and signal lines on loaders often interfere with the operator's view of powered attachments and are prone to damage due to their typical positioning between lift arms.
Innovation Solution
Mounting coupler sections securely on a fixed location on the lift arm's interior, within a tubular structure, to minimize visual obstruction and protect the conduits from external damage, using a reinforcing plate and threaded connections to ensure stability and ease of connection/disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conduit couplers are positioned between the lift arms for easy connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the operator's view of the powered attachment is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit coupler is extracted from the traditional position between the lift arms and relocated to a mounting plate attached to the exterior surface of the lift arm. This removes the visual obstruction problem while maintaining operational accessibility, as the coupler remains easily accessible for connection and disconnection of hoses.
2Ease of operation
If conduit couplers are positioned in an accessible location for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the conduits become vulnerable to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is nested within the lift arm structure, running through the interior hollow space of the tubular lift arm. The conduit coupler is mounted on the exterior surface with the conduit entering through an opening. This nesting arrangement protects the conduit from external damage while maintaining operational accessibility through the opening.
3Ease of manufacture
If conduit routing is simplified by mounting on the exterior surface, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides a secure attachment point for the conduit coupler, offers structural support, and includes an opening for conduit passage. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall mounting system while maintaining ease of conduit routing and installation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A conduit connector assembly (34) for attachments (26) on a loader (10) includes a mounting plate (36) with at least one coupler section (38, 40, 42, 74) mounted on the plate (36) and secured rigidly to a forward end of one of the lift arms (18) of a loader (10). The coupler section or sections (38, 40, 42, 74) are connected with conduits (33, 40, 42, 74) to power (62) or electrical signal sources (77) on the loader (10). The coupler section or sections (38B, 40B, 42B, 74B) on the lift arm (18) are connectable to mating coupler sections attached to conduits from an attachment (26) that requires power and / or control signals for operation. The coupler sections (38, 40, 42, 74) are supported to one side of the lines of vision (61) that an operator in an operator's cab (30) of the loader (10) needs for watching the attachment (26).