Machinery Implement Coupling Apparatus with Spring-Loaded Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic couplers for heavy machinery require operators to exit the cab and manually install safety bars, leading to safety risks and potential damage from improper use, as well as issues like 'clipping' that can cause premature wear on hydraulic components.

Innovation Solution

A coupling apparatus that allows operators to couple and disconnect machinery implements from the cab, utilizing a single acting cylinder with large engaging coil springs to absorb energy in case of clipping, and a wedge bar assembly with a control cylinder and lock assembly for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hydraulic couplers use double acting cylinders for actuation, then the coupling mechanism can be controlled bidirectionally, but the system exposes the coupler device to expensive damages and downtime if not used correctly by an operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling controlVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a simpler single-acting hydraulic cylinder combined with large engaging coil springs. The spring mechanism acts as a sacrificial energy-absorbing element that can withstand clipping events without damaging the hydraulic system, effectively protecting the more expensive components from operator errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The large engaging coil springs are pre-installed in the coupling mechanism to absorb impact energy before it reaches the hydraulic cylinder. This beforehand cushioning protects the hydraulic system from clipping events and improper operation, eliminating the need for operators to manually install safety bars

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If operators manually install safety bars on conventional couplers, then accidental disengagement can be prevented, but personnel safety risks increase due to requiring operators to exit the cab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety bar functionVSAvoidpersonnel safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-protecting through the spring-loaded safety bar system. The safety bar is automatically positioned and locked by the spring mechanism without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically preventing accidental disengagement while keeping operators safely inside the cab

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded safety bar acts as an intermediary between the wedge bar and the implement. It provides automatic mechanical protection without requiring direct operator involvement, mediating the safety function while eliminating the need for operators to physically handle safety bars

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the wedge bar contacts the attachment during clipping events, then the coupling mechanism can self-correct, but the impact energy transfers directly to the hydraulic cylinder causing premature wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling speedVSAvoidcylinder durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The large engaging coil springs are positioned to absorb impact energy from clipping events before it reaches the hydraulic cylinder. This beforehand cushioning protects the hydraulic system from damage while allowing the wedge bar to self-correct clipping events, maintaining fast coupling speeds without compromising cylinder durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful impact energy from clipping events into beneficial spring compression. The springs absorb the shock that would otherwise damage the hydraulic cylinder, transforming a potentially harmful event into a protected self-correcting mechanism that maintains system integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250109567A1Machinery implement coupling apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 DAEQUIP PREMIUM ATTACHMENTS

AI summary

An implement coupling apparatus configured to facilitate coupling and de-coupling of an implement such as but not limited to a bucket from the operator's cab of the machinery. The invention includes a first side plate member and a second side plate member each having a first end a second end. Lug apertures and lugs are present on each side member being configured to engage hub notches of an implement. A wedge bar member is operably disposed between the first side plate member and second side plate member and is movable between a first and second position. The wedge bar member includes opposing ends that protrude beyond the first side plate member and second side plate member. A spring assembly having two compression springs is operably coupled to the wedge bar member. A control cylinder is operably coupled to the wedge bar member to provide movement thereof.