Loader Coupler with Removable Mount Pins and Lock System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loader couplers are heavy and complex, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, and they often require multiple connections for different attachment types, which complicates operation and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
A multi pick-up loader coupler with a body comprising left and right portions, featuring inner and outer rib mounts with removable pins and a lock system that allows for secure engagement with different attachment rib structures, simplifying the mating process and reducing weight by allowing for interchangeable pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi pick-up coupler is designed to mate with two different receiver configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is segmented into multiple mounting regions (inner rib mounts and outer rib mounts) that can be selectively activated. Each mounting region has its own set of mounting pins that can be independently installed or removed, allowing the coupler to be configured for different attachment types without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler employs a dynamic configuration system where mounting pins can be selectively installed or removed from the body based on the required attachment type. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single coupler body to adapt to different receiver configurations (inner rib or outer rib attachments) without permanent structural modifications, resolving the complexity issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting pins are used for different attachment types, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler system allows for the discarding (removal) of unused mounting pins from the body when switching between attachment types. For example, when using inner rib attachments, outer mounting pins can be removed and stored for later use with outer rib attachments. This selective discarding and recovering of pins reduces the weight of the coupler at any given time while maintaining full adaptability across different attachment configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A loader coupler includes left and right spaced-apart inner rib mounts including inner mount pins connected to a body, and left and right inner locking regions aligned with the left and right inner rib mounts. The coupler includes left and right spaced-apart outer rib mounts including outer mount pins connected to the body, and left and right outer locking regions aligned with the left and right outer rib mounts. The coupler includes a lock system including: (i) left and right first lock plungers that move between locked and unlocked positions relative to the left and right inner locking regions, respectively; and, (ii) left and right second lock plungers that move between locked and unlocked positions relative to the left and right outer locking regions, respectively. The left and right outer mount pins and/or the left and right inner mount pins are removable from the body.