Lower Link Coupling Hook With Integrated Ovalized Locking Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch devices for three-point force lifts are complex and costly to produce, requiring elaborate manufacturing processes and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clutch device design featuring a clutch base with a fishing hook and a locking mechanism, where the sliding adjustment is formed as an ovalized inner contour, allowing the locking bar to be steered out of a first locking position into a second locking position, and where the complete housing of the closure mechanism is integrated into the clutch body, enabling CNC milling directly into a forged steel raw body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the housing of the locking mechanism is designed as a separate assembly requiring disassembly for maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the housing of the locking mechanism directly into the coupling body as a single integral component. The sliding fit is machined directly into the forged steel blank of the coupling body, eliminating the need for a separate housing assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection point for the lower link and simultaneously houses the locking mechanism components. The integral design allows the same component to fulfill both structural and locking functions, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
2Ease of repair
If the housing is designed as a separate disassemblable assembly, then ease of maintenance is improved, but manufacturing precision and production time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and coupling body are merged into a single integral component, eliminating the need for separate machining operations and assembly steps. The sliding fit is directly machined into the forged steel blank in one operation, ensuring high manufacturing precision without requiring multiple components to be assembled.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the locking mechanism, then ease of assembly is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanism components into a single integral housing that is part of the coupling body. The sliding fit, locking bolt, and housing form a unified structure that reduces the number of separate parts to be assembled, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the design maintains functional segmentation through the sliding fit mechanism that allows the locking bolt to move independently within the machined cavity, preserving the necessary operational segments while reducing structural 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 design significantly simplifies the production process, reduces costs, and results in a compact and robust closure mechanism, while maintaining effective locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism with a housing arranged on the catch hook, within which a sliding fit for longitudinally displaceable bearing of a locking bolt is designed such that the locking bolt can be deflected against a restoring spring force from a first locking position locking the catch hook into a second locking position releasing the catch hook
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Coupling device (10) for a lower link (22) of a three-point linkage, comprising a coupling body (12) with a catch hook (14) for receiving a coupling element (18) designed complementarily with a mounting area (16) of the catch hook (14), wherein a locking mechanism (26) with a housing (30) is arranged on the catch hook (14), within which a sliding fit (32) for longitudinally displaceable bearing of a locking bolt (28) is designed such that the locking bolt (28) can be deflected against a restoring spring force (Frück) from a first locking position (38) which locks the catch hook (14) to a second locking position (52) which releases the catch hook (14). Here, the sliding fit (32) is designed as an ovalized inner contour extending along the deflection direction (36) of the locking bolt (28).