Front Loader Locking Device on Pivotable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front loader arrangements face challenges with time-consuming and difficult locking mechanisms, especially at locations remote from the driver's cab, and require complex adjustments due to geometrical changes when tools are changed, making the mounting and dismantling process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A front loader arrangement with a locking device mounted on the loader support, featuring a swivel bolt and pretensioning device that adjusts based on pivot position, allowing for easy observation and actuation of the lock from the operator's platform, and enabling pivotable attachment of the loader support to the attachment mast without needing complex adjustments, even for heavier front loaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is located at a remote position on the vehicle frame, then the locking mechanism can engage the attachment mast, but the driver cannot easily observe or actuate the lock
Solution Approach 1:
A cable connection acts as an intermediary between the driver's cab and the locking device on the loader support. The cable transmits the driver's manual actuation force to the swivel bolt, enabling remote control while maintaining direct mechanical engagement at the locking position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is relocated from the traditional remote position on the vehicle frame to the loader support structure, which is positioned in a different spatial dimension closer to the driver. This dimensional repositioning allows direct observation and manual actuation while maintaining effective locking engagement.
2Length of moving object
If a rigid tubular frame loader support is used, then the structure is compact and suitable for smaller front loaders, but it lacks the stability and supporting forces required for larger and heavier front loaders
Solution Approach 1:
The loader support is designed as a pivotable, dynamic structure rather than a fixed rigid frame. It can tilt forward relative to the attachment mast during dismantling operations, allowing the lower end to lower to the ground for stable support of heavy loads while maintaining a compact configuration during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The loader support system is segmented into the pivotable support structure and the attachment mast, connected through a pivot connection. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component, enabling the support to adapt its position for both compact storage and heavy load support configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the loader support is pivotably arranged on the attachment mast, then the locking device remains independent of tool geometry changes, but complex adjustment devices are required to maintain correct locking angles
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable loader support structure automatically maintains the correct geometric relationship with the attachment mast during pivoting movements. The system self-adjusts through its kinematic design, eliminating the need for external complex adjustment devices to maintain locking angles when tools are changed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection between the loader support and attachment mast provides universal adaptability, allowing the locking device to remain effective across different tool geometries and loading conditions. The single pivotable connection handles both positioning and angle adjustment functions that would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used, then the structure remains simple, but the mounting and dismantling process requires considerable operating effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The manual cable-actuated locking mechanism is replaced with an automated locking system that uses the pivotal movement of the loader support itself to drive the locking and unlocking actions. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical cable tensioning with automatic mechanical engagement through controlled pivoting movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is pre-positioned and pre-configured on the loader support structure. When the loader support pivots into the correct position, the locking engagement occurs automatically without requiring preliminary manual adjustment or preparation, reducing both time and operational effort.
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
This solution simplifies the locking and unlocking process, allows for safe parking of heavier front loaders, and facilitates partially automated coupling and locking, reducing operational effort and complexity while ensuring proper locking without requiring adjustments for different angles.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning element (68) connected at one end to a lever arm (66) formed on the swivel bolt (62) and at the other end to the loader support (52)
Data Source
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AI summary
A front loader assembly (10) is described. The front loader assembly (10) comprises a console (12), a mounting mast (14) that can be attached to an upper and a lower bearing point (28, 30) of the console (12), a loader arm (50) articulated by a first pivot pin (44) arranged on the mounting mast (14), a loader support (52) articulated by a second pivot pin (48) arranged on the mounting mast (14), and a locking device for locking the mounting mast (14) to the console (12).In order to make the automatic locking of such a front loader arrangement (10) as practical as possible, it is proposed that the locking device be arranged on the loader support (52), a pivot bolt (62) which is mounted on a third pivot pin (58) arranged on the loader support (52), a pre-tensioning device which pre-tensions the pivot bolt (62) into an open position or into a closed position depending on its pivot position relative to the loader support (52), and an actuating means arranged on the mounting mast (14) and which can be brought into engagement with the pivot bolt (62), with which the pivot bolt (62) can be moved into the pre-tensioned closed position, wherein the pivot bolt (62) in its closed position can be brought into engagement with the upper bearing point (28) of the bracket (12) under pre-tension by pivoting the mounting mast (14) relative to the console (12) about the lower bearing point (30).