Quick Coupler Adapter with Symmetrical Clamping for 180° Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-change devices for earthmoving machines are limited in their ability to rotate the working device by 180° relative to the quick coupler, restricting the adapter's application and requiring fundamental changes to the locking and coupling principle.

Innovation Solution

The adapter design features distinct clamping surfaces and bolt axes on both sides, with a depression or elevation on the bolt axis to accommodate multi-axial clamping, allowing coupling in both 180° positions without altering the quick-change principle, and includes centering means to ensure precise alignment and prevent jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter has distinct clamping surfaces and locking mechanisms on only one side, then the locking and coupling principle remains simple, but the working device cannot be rotated by 180° relative to the quick coupler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidadapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into two symmetrical sides, each equipped with identical clamping surfaces and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the working device to be coupled in either orientation (0° or 180° rotation) while maintaining the simplicity of the locking principle on each side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies symmetry rather than asymmetry - both sides of the adapter are made identical with corresponding clamping surfaces and locking mechanisms. This symmetrical design enables the 180° rotation capability while keeping each side's structure simple and familiar

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If the first clamping surface runs perpendicular to the base surface of the adapter, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the multi-axial clamping and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-axial clampingVSAvoidclamping surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping surfaces are configured at angles relative to the base surface rather than perpendicular, creating multi-axial clamping forces. This angular configuration adds dimensional complexity to the clamping action, distributing forces across multiple axes to enhance stability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1749939B1Adapter for work tool as part of quick change coupling and quick change coupling
Publication Date: 2010.11.17 LEHNHOFF HARTSTAHL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1749939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1749939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1749939B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The adaptor (18) for a tool head to an earth working vehicle boom has a quick change attachment (16) having claws (20) which selectively engage the flats of a locking pin of one end of the adaptor. The opposite end of the quick change attachment from the claws has a lug (30) to engage flats on the opposite adaptor locking pin. The quick change attachment can be mounted on either side of the adaptor using the respective flats. There can be locking pins (38,40) on either side of the adaptor, with respective flats.