Quick Coupler Dual-Control Interlock for Safe Tool Disengagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupler systems in earth moving equipment lack sufficient safety measures to prevent inadvertent events during tool exchange, despite efforts to minimize incidents.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a three-state switch, electro-valve, and dual control lines is introduced, where both control lines must be activated to disengage the tool attachment, providing protection against single failures and misuse, and incorporating visual and audio warnings, armrest position sensors, and mechanical protection to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional quick coupler system with single control line is used, then the operation is simple and fast, but the safety is insufficient and prone to single point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control lines (first control line and second control line) that both must be activated simultaneously to disengage the tool attachment. This segmentation creates redundant control paths, eliminating single point failures and significantly improving safety integrity while maintaining operational simplicity through the three-state switch interface.
2Reliability
If additional safety measures and control mechanisms are added, then the resistance to faults increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple safety functions (dual control line activation, three-state switch positioning, visual warnings, audio warnings, armrest position sensing, mechanical protection) are merged into a unified control architecture. The control unit coordinates all these elements through a single three-state switch interface, providing comprehensive fault resistance without increasing operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that coordinates the dual control lines, warning systems, and mechanical protection mechanisms. This intermediary manages the complexity internally while presenting a simple three-state switch interface to the operator, thereby increasing fault resistance without burdening the user with complex controls.
3Reliability
If both control lines require activation for disengagement, then the protection against misuse increases, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-state switch provides dynamic control with three positions (first end position, middle neutral position, second end position), allowing the system to adapt its response based on the sequence of operations. The switch automatically manages the coordination between dual control lines, providing misuse protection while maintaining operational convenience through intuitive sequential actuation.
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 significantly enhances safety integrity and resistance to faults, minimizing the likelihood of undesirable events by requiring multiple point failures and providing comprehensive feedback and protection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a electro-valve coupled hydraulically to the disengaging actuator... a first control line and a second control line coupled respectively to first and second terminals of the coil of the electro-valve
Implementation Method 2
The quick coupler system is usually operated by hydraulic pressure... an electro-hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic disengaging actuator, a hydraulic circuit with a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A control device and method for controlling a disengaging actuator (1) of a tool attachment, the device comprising a three-state switch (2), with a middle neutral position (20), a first end position (21), and a second end position (22), a control unit (3, 3′), having an input corresponding to an activation of the first end position (21), an electro-valve (4) coupled hydraulically to the disengaging actuator (1), having a coil (40), a first control line (41) and a second control line (42) coupled respectively to first and second terminals of the coil (40) of the electro-valve, wherein one of the first and second control lines is coupled to the second end position (22) of the three-state switch and the other of the first and second control lines is coupled to an output of the control unit, such that both control lines have to be activated to allow disengagement.