Pivoting Front Hook Lock Coupler for Excavator Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for construction attachments on excavators and similar machines lack a secure and efficient mechanism for locking and unlocking attachment pins, leading to potential detachment during operation.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring a rear hook lock with an actuator, gravity locks, and supplemental lock arms that move between locked and unlocked positions to securely engage and disengage attachment pins, ensuring stability and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple hook design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of pin retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into multiple independent lock bars (first lock bar, second lock bar, third lock bar) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the hook. Each lock bar is a simple, easy-to-manufacture component, but together they provide comprehensive pin retention through distributed locking points along the pin engagement path.
2Reliability
If a multi-lock mechanism is added, then reliability of pin retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock bars are merged into a single integrated lock assembly that moves as one unit. The lock bars are positioned at different locations along the pin path but are connected through a common actuating mechanism, allowing them to engage and disengage simultaneously through a single operational action rather than requiring separate controls for each lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism incorporates spring-loaded lock bars that automatically engage with the pin when the hook is properly positioned. The springs provide automatic resetting and engagement forces, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain lock pressure or reset individual lock bars after pin insertion.
3Ease of operation
If gravity locks are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability in inverted positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Spring forces are used to counteract the effects of gravity on the lock bars. The springs provide consistent engagement forces regardless of the hook's orientation, ensuring that the lock bars remain reliably engaged with the pin whether the excavator is in a normal position or inverted during operation.
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 coupler provides a secure and reliable attachment system by preventing unintended detachment of pins, enhancing operational safety and efficiency through its multi-lock mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A first gravity lock pivots relative to the frame between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The first gravity lock blocks movement of the rear hook lock from its locked position to its unlocked position when the first gravity lock is located in its engaged position.
Implementation Method 2
The latch is biased to its extended position and movable from its extended position to its retracted position by contact between the latch and the first associated attachment pin when the first supplemental lock arm is in its disengaged position.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment coupler includes a frame including a front hook and rear hook. A rear hook lock moves between an unlocked and a locked position relative to the rear hook. An actuator moves the rear hook lock to its unlocked and locked positions. A gravity lock moves between an engaged and a disengaged position and obstructs movement of the rear hook lock to its unlocked position when the gravity lock is engaged. A supplemental lock arm moves relative to the frame between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A secondary lock is located adjacent the front hook and includes a latch that moves between an extended and a retracted position. The latch obstructs the front hook when extended. The supplemental lock arm blocks movement of the latch from its extended position to its retracted position when the supplemental lock arm is in its engaged position. A spring urges the latch toward its extended position.