Quick Coupler Biased Locking Mechanism for Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick couplers in working machines can unintentionally unlock when the actuator loses power, leading to potential detachment of working implements and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler design with biased locking members that default to the locked position in case of actuator failure, using a resilient element and a locking arrangement that prevents unintended unlocking, ensuring the attachment pins remain secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is used to lock and unlock the attachment pins, then the coupling operation is enabled, but the system becomes unsafe when the actuator loses power or fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional locking mechanism by making the locking member spring-loaded to automatically lock the attachment pin when the actuator loses power or fails. Instead of relying on the actuator to maintain the locked position, the system uses a biasing arrangement that defaults to the locked state, ensuring safety while maintaining ease of operation through controlled unlocking when power is available.
2Reliability
If the locking member is biased into the locked position, then safety is improved by defaulting to locked position, but the actuator must overcome the biasing force to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can be easily moved between locked and unlocked positions by the actuator during normal operation, but automatically returns to the locked position when the actuator loses power. The biasing arrangement provides a manageable force that the actuator can overcome during controlled unlocking operations while ensuring automatic locking under failure conditions.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator controls both locking members, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over individual locking members may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single actuator that can control both locking members through a universal control mechanism. The actuator can selectively lock or unlock either attachment pin independently, providing precise control over the locking state of each pin while using a single actuator component, thus reducing device complexity without compromising control precision.
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
Enhances safety by ensuring attachment pins remain locked even if the actuator loses power, preventing uncontrolled detachment of working implements and allowing for controlled detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The first biasing arrangement may comprise a resilient element such as a spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick coupler for connecting a working implement to a working arm of a working machine. The quick coupler comprises: a coupler body comprising first and second recesses configured and arranged for receiving first and second attachment pins of a working implement therein, respectively; a locking arrangement comprising first and second locking members moveable between locked and unlocked positions for locking and unlocking first and second attachment pins in the first and second recesses, respectively; and an actuator configured to move the first and second locking members between the locked and unlocked positions. The quick coupler is configured such that at least one of the first and second locking members are biased into the locked position via a biasing arrangement. The actuator is configured to overcome the biasing arrangement to move the first and/or second locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.