Loader Mast Pin Retaining Arrangement with Eccentric Stops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current detachable front end loader designs for work machines, such as tractors, face difficulties in securely attaching and detaching the loader mast due to the complexity of inserting and retaining spring locking pins, often leading to pin loss and misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A pin arrangement with a handle and locking shaft featuring eccentric stops and a release knob, allowing the pin to be easily locked and unlocked from the outside, eliminating the need for internal spring locking pins and preventing loss by retaining the pin within the loader mast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring locking pin is used inside the mast to retain the pin, then the pin can be retained securely, but it becomes difficult to insert and access the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is inverted from an internal spring-loaded pin system to an external knob-operated shaft system. The release knob is positioned on the outside of the mast, allowing easy access and operation from the exterior. The shaft extends through the mast with eccentric stops that engage with slots in the mast, providing secure retention while allowing simple external operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pin is completely removed from the mast for parking, then the loader can be detached, but the pin may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin system is segmented into multiple functional components: the main pin element, the locking shaft with eccentric stops, the release knob, and the slot mechanism in the mast. This segmentation allows the pin to remain retained in the mast through the slot while the loader is detached, eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining detachment capability.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple parts is used, then secure retention can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and more parts can fail
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the locking shaft assembly: the shaft itself provides the locking function through eccentric stops, the shaft serves as the operational lever, and the integrated release knob provides the actuation mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining secure retention through the eccentric stop and slot engagement system.
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 simplifies the attachment and detachment process, prevents pin loss, and allows for tool-free operation, enhancing user convenience and compatibility with existing work machines.
Implementation Method 1
the release knob having a retaining portion, the handle and locking shaft being movable between a first position and a second position; and, a slot in the mast, the slot having a first portion that allows passage of one of the at least two eccentric stops when the locking shaft is in the first position and preventing passage of the one of the at least two eccentric stops when the locking shaft is in the second position, the slot having a second portion that selectively engages the retaining portion of the release knob when the locking shaft is in the second position thereby preventing movement of the locking shaft from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
the locking shaft having at least two eccentric stops and a release knob thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A loader mast-to-mounting frame pin arrangement is provided. The pin arrangement has stops added to a shaft that allow the pin to be held in two positions: the locked position and the parked position. In the locked position, a unique slot cut in the mast plate retains the pin by not allowing an eccentric protrusion on the shaft from passing through the slot when the pin is rotated to place the shaft in the top of the slot. When the pin is rotated so the shaft is towards the bottom of the slot, the eccentric protrusion is allowed to pass through the mast plate and the pin can be pulled out until it hits another protrusion on the shaft. At this point, the pin will stay in the mast but the loader can be removed from the tractor. To prevent the pin from rotating by itself, when in the locked position, and the loader coming unlatched, a spring loaded knob engages in the slot which prevents the shaft from being able to rotate to the unlocked position. To operate, the knob is pulled back away from the mast and then the shaft can be rotated.