Machine Tool Coupling Wedge Mechanism for Automated Energy Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for heavy work machines, such as excavators and agricultural equipment, face issues with securing energy connections due to aging components like spring rubber, leading to potential leaks and mechanical complexity, especially in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Innovation Solution
A space-saving coupling design utilizing a sliding wedge that acts on a wedge-shaped guide surface to displace energy coupling plates, with an actuator controlling both the locking and connecting devices to ensure a secure, automated, and leak-free connection of energy coupling parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rubber springs are used to hold energy coupling plates, then the coupling can be simplified, but the reliability deteriorates due to aging and loss of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but complex mechanical locking mechanisms with simpler, replaceable rubber spring elements. While rubber springs have limited service life due to aging, they can be easily replaced without complex disassembly, and their simplicity reduces overall system complexity. This trades long-term durability for ease of maintenance and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical locking systems (bolts, pins, complex linkages) with elastomeric rubber springs that use elastic deformation instead of mechanical interlocking. This eliminates the need for precise mechanical tolerances and complex assembly procedures, simplifying the coupling structure while maintaining functional reliability through material elasticity.
2Extent of automation
If separate actuators are provided for locking device and connecting device, then the automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and energy coupling connection function into a single integrated actuating mechanism. One actuator simultaneously performs both the mechanical locking of main coupling parts and the connection of energy coupling parts, reducing the number of actuators from two to one while maintaining full automation of the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both locking and energy connection tasks through different motion phases or mechanical advantages. This universal actuator replaces what would traditionally require two separate specialized actuators, simplifying the system while preserving automated functionality.
3Extent of automation
If conventional connecting devices are used for energy coupling parts, then the automation is achieved, but the space requirement and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling system into distinct functional zones: the locking mechanism for main coupling parts and the energy coupling connection mechanism. By separating these functions spatially and mechanically, each can be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical element (such as a lever, linkage, or cam mechanism) that translates the actuator's motion into both locking and energy connection actions. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the single actuator and the two different functions, enabling automated operation without requiring two separate actuators or complex direct-drive mechanisms.
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 provides a reliable and space-efficient coupling that ensures a secure, automated connection of energy coupling parts, preventing leaks and simplifying the process, particularly for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, by using a single actuator to lock both main and energy coupling parts.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting device for the energy coupling parts having at least one, preferably linearly displaceable, sliding wedge which has a wedge surface, the energy coupling parts for connecting pushes one another
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a coupling for machine tools, comprising a first main coupling part (1) and at least one additional main coupling part (2) for mechanically fastening an attachment (4) to the machine tool. A first power coupling part (5) is provided on the first main coupling part (1) and at least one other power coupling part (6) is provided on the additional main coupling part (2) in order to supply power to the attachment (4) or the machine tool. Furthermore, an actuator (7) which is used for actuating a locking mechanism (8) that interlocks the two main coupling parts (1, 2) is disposed on one of the main coupling parts (1, 2). A connecting device (9) is provided for automatically connecting the power coupling parts (5, 6). Said connecting device (9) for the power coupling parts (5, 6) is fitted with at least one spline (20) which can be preferably moved in a linear manner and slides the power coupling parts (5, 6) onto one another for connecting purposes by means of a wedging surface (21). The power coupling parts (5, 6) are each equipped with at least one power coupling plate (16, 17), on each of which female and male power coupling elements (18, 19) are arranged that can be engaged with one another. The wedging surface (21) of the spline (20) acts upon a wedge-shaped guiding surface (22) of the power coupling plate (16) of the first power coupling part (5) and moves the power coupling plate (16) relative to the first main coupling part (1).