Quick Coupling Mechanism for Machine Tool Hydraulic Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile machine tools face issues with hydraulic coupling damage due to incorrect mechanical coupling, requiring frequent repairs and being incompatible with tools lacking hydraulics without costly adaptations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor and actuator system with a mechanical or electrical transmission on the tool to ensure hydraulic coupling only occurs after correct mechanical coupling, and positioning hydraulic coupling components away from contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic coupling means are provided on the lifting arm for quick tool connection, then tool change speed is improved, but the risk of hydraulic coupling damage increases when mechanical coupling is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring correct mechanical coupling (insertion of coupling pin into coupling eye) to occur before hydraulic coupling can take place. The mechanical coupling components are positioned such that the coupling pin must first engage the coupling eye, establishing proper mechanical connection, before the hydraulic coupling pieces can come into contact and connect. This sequence prevents hydraulic coupling damage by ensuring mechanical alignment is established first.
2Reliability
If a known quick coupling design is used that reduces damage risk, then hydraulic coupling reliability is improved, but the cost increases due to expensive coupling modules required on each tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coupling system into two distinct parts: a coupling module mounted on the lifting arm (containing both mechanical and hydraulic coupling components) and simpler coupling components (coupling eye and coupling pieces) that can be attached to tools. This segmentation allows the expensive, complex coupling mechanism to remain on the lifting arm while tools only require simple, inexpensive coupling components, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the lifting arm coupling module to handle both mechanical coupling (via coupling pin) and hydraulic coupling (via coupling pieces) functions in a single integrated component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate expensive coupling modules on each tool, as the lifting arm's universal coupling module works with simple tool attachments across different tool types.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic coupling pieces are positioned close to the ground for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning the hydraulic coupling pieces in the vertical dimension (elevated on the lifting arm) rather than horizontally close to the ground. The coupling pieces are mounted on the upper surface or side of the lifting arm, away from ground-level contamination sources, while still maintaining operational accessibility through the lifting arm's structure and operator reach.
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 design significantly reduces hydraulic coupling damage, allows compatibility with existing tools without hydraulic modifications, and minimizes contamination and repair needs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor present on the tool for detecting the presence of the coupling pin in the coupling eye
Implementation Method 2
a transmission present on the tool between the sensor and the actuator and configured to activate the actuator
Implementation Method 3
the second moving means can be hydraulic moving means, for example a piston present in a cylinder to which the first coupling piece is connected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A machine tool has a movable lifting arm 1 and a tool 21 coupled thereto. The lifting arm 1 has two coupling forks 5 and two movable coupling pins 7 that are coupled to the tool 21. The lifting arm 1 further has first hydraulic coupling pieces 11. The tool 21 has two coupling bars 23 to which the coupling forks 5 are coupled, two coupling eyes 25 into which the coupling pins 7 are inserted, and second hydraulic coupling pieces 27 to which the first hydraulic coupling pieces 11 are coupled. The tool 21 further has two pins 29 and 31 that are connected to each other, of which one pin 29 is moved by one of the coupling pins 7 during insertion into the coupling eye 25 and the other pin 31 depresses a switch 15, which switches on moving means 17 that move the first hydraulic coupling pieces 11 so that they are coupled with the second hydraulic coupling pieces 27 on the tool 21.