Quick Coupler Angular Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers for construction machinery cause wear on wedge surfaces over time due to their wedging action, necessitating a more wear-intensive connection method.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler design that connects to implements without engaging the wedge coupling surface, using a hydraulic cylinder to drive a pin into a pocket at an angular relationship greater than 60 degrees, and featuring first and second stops to position the pin linearly with the implement's pocket, avoiding contact with the wedge surface for a less wear-intensive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a wedging action is used to connect the coupler with the implement, then the connection strength is improved, but wear on the wedge surfaces increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wedge coupling surface from the implement and replaces it with a pin insertion system. The pin is driven directly into a pocket in the implement by a hydraulic cylinder, eliminating the wedging action between coupling surfaces while maintaining connection strength through the pin's mechanical engagement and tightening grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wedging system with a hydraulic pin insertion system. Instead of using wedge surfaces to create connection strength, a hydraulic cylinder drives a pin into the implement's pocket, using hydraulic force to insert and tighten the pin, thereby substituting a mechanical wedging mechanism with a hydraulic actuation system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pin axis is collinear with the pocket axis to simplify the connection, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the coupler cannot achieve a tight grip without wedging action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angular relationship between the pin axis and the pocket axis (greater than 60 degrees, preferably greater than 70 degrees). This asymmetric angular configuration allows the pin to wedge into the pocket and create a tight gripping action on the implement, while the hydraulic cylinder provides the force to drive the pin at this angled orientation rather than requiring perfect collinearity.
3Strength
If the angular relationship between the hydraulic cylinder and pocket center bore is increased to improve grip tightening, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions: it drives the pin into the pocket at the required angular orientation, provides the force to tighten the pin's grip on the implement, and maintains the angular relationship configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components to manage the angular geometry, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the angular configuration.
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 solution provides a quick and wear-reducing connection method that allows for the use of existing implements without the wedging action, reducing wear and enabling efficient switching between different implements without the need for wedge surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder which can drive a pin into the pocket without contact with a wedge coupling surface of the implement
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler provides a way to securely lock implements to the coupler utilizing a design which receives hooks at connection locations and then directs pins into pockets at a rear of the implement. Instead of directing the pins along a pocket axis (as is done in the prior art), the pins are directed at an angle relative to the pocket axis thereby securely connecting the coupler to the implement. In fact some embodiments can have a pin extension system spaced from a wedge plate surface defining the pocket of the implement.