Quick-Change Attachment Mounting for Special Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting and disconnecting attachments to carrier vehicles in special utility vehicles are cumbersome, error-prone, and require precise repositioning, which can lead to operational challenges and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A special utility vehicle design featuring a support tube unit that can be moved into a lowered or raised position using an actuator unit, allowing the attachment to be locked into place without hydraulic assistance, and utilizing locking pins and a support tube stop for secure engagement, along with automatic coupling units for systems like hydraulics and electrics, and sensors for connection confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the attachment is lifted using the hydraulic system of the attachment, then the connection and disconnection can be achieved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and error-prone requiring precise repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting the attachment plate using the attachment's own hydraulic system as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by using a support tube actuator unit on the vehicle panel to lift the support tube, which then engages the hook structure of the attachment plate to raise it. This inversion transfers the lifting function from the attachment side to the vehicle side, simplifying the overall procedure and eliminating the need for precise repositioning maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tube acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle panel and the attachment plate. It mediates the connection process by engaging the hook structure of the attachment plate and being raised by the actuator unit, thereby lifting the attachment into the locked position without requiring the attachment's hydraulic system or precise manual repositioning.
2Reliability
If hook structures engage from above using attachment hydraulics, then connection is achieved, but manual intervention and precision driving are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service connection where the support tube actuator unit automatically raises the support tube to engage the hook structure of the attachment plate, and the locking pins automatically align and engage with receptacles on the attachment plate. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and precision driving, as the system performs the connection actions autonomously through automated actuation.
3Productivity
If the support tube is raised by the attachment hydraulics, then the attachment is locked, but the process requires precise repositioning and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is preliminarily positioned in a lowered state before the attachment process begins. The actuator unit then performs the raising action in a single continuous motion to engage the hook structure and lock the attachment in place. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming precise repositioning maneuvers and multiple adjustment steps, significantly reducing the overall attachment time.
4Reliability
If locking pins and support tube stops are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the support tube assembly itself. The support tube incorporates both the lifting function (through actuator engagement) and the locking function (through integrated locking pins and support tube stops). This merging of functions into a single integrated assembly achieves secure engagement while minimizing overall device complexity compared to separate lifting and locking systems.
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 simplifies and streamlines the attachment process, reducing the need for manual intervention and precision driving, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of errors, while also automatically connecting systems and providing visual or acoustic confirmation of proper connection.
Implementation Method 1
a support tube unit (11) which is movably articulated on the vehicle panel base (10) with a support tube (12) extending horizontally in front of the front of the carrier vehicle (2), with the support tube (12) being movable into a lowered position and a raised position by means of a support tube actuator unit (13)
Implementation Method 2
at least one support tube locking unit (16) with a locking element (15), with which the support tube unit (11) can be locked in the raised position
Implementation Method 3
a device plate locking unit (17) with two device plate locking pins (18) that can be moved and are suitable for interacting with corresponding receptacles (7) on the device plate (6)
Implementation Method 4
The device plate (6), which can be connected to the vehicle panel (5), also includes at least one hook structure (8) which is suitable for engaging on the support tube (12) of the vehicle panel (5)
Implementation Method 5
at least one support tube stop (14), with which the support tube unit (11) is in contact in the raised position without play
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A special-purpose vehicle, particularly for municipal applications, comprises a carrier vehicle, an attachment, and a quick-change device (4) for interchangeably attaching the attachment to the front of the carrier vehicle. The vehicle plate (5) has a fixed mounting plate (5) on the carrier vehicle and a mounting plate (6) on the attachment that can be connected to the mounting plate. The vehicle plate (5) essentially consists of a base (10) fixed to the carrier vehicle and a support tube unit (11) articulated relative to the base, with a support tube (12) extending horizontally in front of the carrier vehicle. This support tube can be moved into a lowered and a raised position by means of at least one support tube actuator unit (13). This movement of the support tube (12) allows the mounting plate (6) and the vehicle plate (5) to be connected while simultaneously raising the attachment (3) from a rest position to a locking position.