Manual Cable Locking Mechanism for Loader Implement Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loader attachment mechanisms for utility vehicles rely on costly and complex hydraulic systems for remote operation, which are inefficient and require additional power sources, limiting operator convenience and system simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A manual locking subassembly with a mechanical linkage and actuator positioned adjacent the operator cab, allowing for manual operation of a pin portion to lock or unlock loader attachment implements, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems and enabling operator-controlled attachment and detachment without leaving the cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems are used for remote operation of locking mechanism, then operator convenience is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with a mechanically actuated cable mechanism. The cable mechanism uses mechanical advantage through levers and pulleys to transmit force from the operator station to the locking pin, eliminating the need for hydraulic actuators while maintaining remote operation capability from the operator cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator's manual input and the locking pin. The cable transmits the mechanical force and motion from the operator station through the vehicle structure to the locking mechanism, enabling remote operation without direct hydraulic connection to the pin.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems are used for locking mechanism, then remote operation capability is improved, but power source requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable mechanism is self-actuating through mechanical advantage. The operator's manual force at the control station directly drives the cable, which in turn moves the locking pin without requiring external power sources. The system uses the operator's input energy directly, eliminating the need for hydraulic pumps or motors.
3Device complexity
If manual locking mechanism is used, then system simplicity is improved, but operator accessibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cable mechanism routes the actuation force through a different spatial dimension - from the operator cab interior through the vehicle structure to the locking mechanism at the attachment carrier. This allows the operator to remain seated in the cab while actuating the locking mechanism remotely, solving the accessibility problem without adding complexity.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, operator-friendly mechanism for securely attaching and detaching loader implements, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of the system by eliminating the need for hydraulic actuation, while ensuring uniform or non-uniform movement as required.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical linkage extending from the actuator and affixed to a loader attachment carrier rotatable about an axis. Manipulation of the actuator in a first direction moves a linkage member of the mechanical linkage
Data Source
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AI summary
A utility vehicle (10) with a loader system (14) is disclosed. The utility vehicle (10) with a loader system (14) including a cab (30) configured to seat an operator for control of the utility vehicle (10), the loader system (14) comprising: a loader attachment implement (58); a loader attachment carrier (54) to selectively couple the loader attachment implement (58) to the utility vehicle (10); and a locking mechanism (122) including an actuator (126) positioned adjacent the cab (30), wherein the actuator (126) is manually operable from the cab (30), and a pin portion (142) adjacent the loader attachment implement (58) and movable in a first direction in response to actuation of the actuator (126) between a locked position and an unlocked position; wherein when the pin portion (142) is in a locked position, the loader attachment implement (58) uniformly moves with the loader attachment carrier (54), and when the pin portion (142) is in an unlocked position, the loader attachment implement (58) is non-uniformly movable with the loader attachment carrier (54).