Hybrid Loader Coupler Dual-Plunger Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loader couplers fail to maintain the preferred geometrical relationship between construction attachments and front-end loaders, and lack an effective locking system for capturing attachment ribs, particularly when dealing with different types of rib structures.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid loader coupler design featuring laterally spaced inner and outer rib mounts and corresponding locking regions, along with a dual-plunger lock system that moves between locked and unlocked positions to securely engage both types of attachment coupling structures, allowing for optimal geometrical alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single set of pick-up points is used in traditional loader couplers, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different types of attachment coupling structures and maintain optimal geometrical relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The loader coupler is designed with two separate sets of pick-up points (first and second pick-up points) that can accommodate different types of attachment coupling structures. Each set of pick-up points is configured to work with specific attachment types, allowing the coupler to universally engage various attachments while maintaining optimal geometrical relationship. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the coupler to adapt to different attachment types without requiring completely different coupler designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler body is segmented into distinct regions with separate pick-up points and corresponding locking mechanisms for each attachment type. The first pick-up points and first locks are spatially separated from the second pick-up points and second locks, allowing independent engagement of different attachment types. This segmentation enables versatility while keeping each individual picking/locking mechanism relatively simple, thus managing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional locking systems are used, then the structure is simple, but it fails to securely capture different types of attachment ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates two separate locking mechanisms (first locks and second locks) that correspond to different attachment rib types. Each locking mechanism is specifically designed to securely engage its corresponding rib type, ensuring reliable capture regardless of attachment variety. This multi-functional locking approach achieves high reliability across different attachment types while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different locking mechanisms are positioned and configured with specific local characteristics suited for their respective attachment types. The first locks are positioned to engage first ribs with specific geometry, while the second locks are positioned and shaped to engage second ribs with different geometry. This local optimization ensures secure capture for each attachment type without requiring a completely complex universal locking mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If pick-up points are not vertically aligned with locking regions, then the structure is simpler, but the geometrical relationship between attachment and loader is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The pick-up points are pre-positioned and vertically aligned with their corresponding locking regions during coupler manufacturing. This preliminary alignment ensures that when attachments are engaged, the geometrical relationship between the attachment and loader is automatically maintained without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. The vertical alignment is built into the coupler structure itself, achieving precision while avoiding excessive complexity through careful design planning.
Data Source
AI summary
A loader coupler includes left and right inner rib mounts that mate with left and right ribs of a first type of attachment coupling structure. The coupler also includes left and right outer rib mounts that mate with left and right ribs of a second type of attachment coupling structure. Left and right plunger assemblies each move between a locked and unlocked position and each includes both a first lock plunger and a second lock plunger. The left and right first lock plungers extend into left and right inner locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position. The left and right second lock plungers extend into left and right outer locking regions when the left and right plunger assemblies are located in the locked position.