Mast Assembly Tool Unit Quick Connect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mast arrangements for construction machines require manual and time-consuming hydraulic and mechanical connections between the mast carriage and tool units, which are inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mast arrangement with a tool guide device and hydraulic coupling parts that allow for automatic hydraulic connection and a locking device for mechanical connection, enabling quick and efficient attachment of tool units to the mast carriage using a single movement, with resilient mounting and actuation by hydraulic cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection methods are used for hydraulic and mechanical connections between mast carriage and tool units, then connection reliability can be achieved, but connection time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: hydraulic coupling parts with multiple coupling plugs and sockets, mechanical locking device with locking bolts, and tool guide device with guide rails. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while enabling automated sequential engagement during connection, reducing manual intervention time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as coupling plugs and sockets that facilitate automatic hydraulic connection, and locking bolts that enable automatic mechanical locking. These intermediaries act as mediators between the mast carriage and tool unit, allowing the connection process to occur automatically through guided movement along the mast guide while ensuring reliable engagement
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual connection procedures are employed, then connection stability can be ensured, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The tool unit is pre-equipped with a tool guide device featuring guide rails that align with the mast guide, and the mast carriage has pre-positioned hydraulic coupling parts and locking devices. This preliminary arrangement of components enables automatic engagement during the connection process, eliminating the need for manual alignment and assembly steps while ensuring stable and reliable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed to perform the connection operation automatically through the interaction of its own components. As the tool unit is moved along the mast guide, the guide rails automatically align the tool unit with the mast carriage, the hydraulic coupling parts automatically engage through their plug-and-socket design, and the locking bolts automatically secure the mechanical connection, all without requiring manual intervention
3Productivity
If automated hydraulic connection is implemented, then connection speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connection system is segmented into multiple independent coupling plugs and sockets, each handling a specific hydraulic line. This segmentation allows the hydraulic connection to be automated through simple plug-and-socket engagement while distributing the complexity across multiple standardized, interchangeable components rather than requiring a complex integrated system
4Reliability
If multiple connection steps are required, then connection reliability improves, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary positioning through the tool guide device and mast guide alignment, which automatically orient the tool unit and mast carriage for proper engagement before the actual connection occurs. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent connection steps (hydraulic coupling and mechanical locking) occur automatically and sequentially without requiring manual intervention between steps, maintaining reliability while minimizing total connection time
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
Facilitates a reliable, automatic, and efficient connection of tool units to the mast carriage, reducing the need for extensive manual operation and allowing for rapid tool changes, while ensuring a stable and secure hydraulic and mechanical link.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic coupling part for hydraulically connecting a tool unit to the hydraulic source on the mast carriage
Implementation Method 2
at least one hydraulically actuatable locking bolt, with which the frame of the tool unit can be mechanically connected to the mast carriage
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a mast assembly for a construction machine with a mast (12) which has a mast guide (14) along which a mast carriage (20) is movably mounted, which is connected to a hydraulic source and has a first hydraulic coupling part (24) for hydraulically connecting a tool unit (40) to a hydraulic source on the mast carriage (20). According to the invention, the tool unit (40) has a tool guidance device (46) with which the tool unit (40) can be attached to and positioned on the mast guide (14). A second hydraulic coupling part (44) is arranged on a frame (42) of the tool unit (40), which corresponds to the first hydraulic coupling part (24) of the mast carriage (20).When the mast carriage (20) and tool unit (40) move together along the mast guide (14), the first hydraulic coupling part (24) of the mast carriage (20) can be hydraulically connected to the second hydraulic coupling part (44) on the tool unit (40). A locking device (60) is provided, which is spaced apart from the hydraulic coupling parts (24, 44) and has at least one hydraulically actuated locking bolt (62) with which the frame (42) of the tool unit (40) can be mechanically connected to the mast carriage (20). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for connecting the tool unit to the mast carriage.