Quick Coupler Grip Plate Assembly to Prevent Tool Sway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction vehicle coupling assemblies use removable coupling pins that are difficult to insert/remove due to rusting and require excessive lateral tolerance, leading to attachment tool movement during operation, with shims providing temporary solutions that often fall off.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with sliding grip plates and actuators that allow for easy attachment of various attachment tools by receiving different diameters of coupling members, preventing lateral movement through actuated grip plate positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If removable coupling pins are used to couple attachment tools, then the attachment tools can be coupled to various lift arm assemblies, but the coupling pins become difficult to insert and remove due to rusting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling function from traditional removable pins and integrates it into a self-contained quick coupler system. The quick coupler assembly includes a coupling member with grip plates that can be easily opened and closed to attach/detach tools, eliminating the need for separate coupling pins that rust and become difficult to remove.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quick coupler assembly as an intermediary device between the attachment tool and lift arm assembly. This intermediary system includes grip plates, actuators, and locking mechanisms that facilitate easy coupling and decoupling operations while maintaining adaptability to various tool widths through adjustable grip plate positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If excessive lateral tolerance is incorporated in coupling assemblies to accommodate different attachment tool widths, then various attachment tools can be coupled, but the attachment tools become prone to lateral movement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic grip plates that can move laterally to accommodate different attachment tool widths. The grip plates are actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to open for tool insertion and close to secure the tool, providing both adaptability and stability during operation. The system transitions from a static coupling structure to a dynamic one that adjusts to different tool configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lateral position parameter of the grip plates to accommodate different attachment tool widths. By actuating the grip plates to different lateral positions, the system can securely couple tools of varying widths while maintaining stable connection during operation, eliminating the excessive lateral tolerance problem.
3Stability of the object's composition
If shims are used to eliminate gaps between attachment tools and coupling assembly, then lateral movement is reduced, but the shims are prone to falling off during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the shim component entirely from the coupling system. Instead of using separate shims that can fall off, the design integrates gap elimination into the grip plate closure mechanism. When the grip plates close onto the attachment tool, they naturally eliminate gaps and secure the connection without requiring additional shim components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gap elimination function with the grip plate closure function. The grip plates simultaneously perform multiple functions: accommodating different tool widths through lateral movement, eliminating gaps through controlled closure, and securing the attachment tool through locking mechanisms. This integration eliminates the need for separate shim components.
Data Source
AI summary
Work vehicles, such as construction vehicles, include an attachment tool to transport material. The attachment tool is coupled to a lift arm assembly of the construction vehicle via a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly is designed to be coupled to any one of a variety of attachment tools. However, coupling assemblies commonly utilize coupling pins to couple the attachment tool to the lift arm assembly. The coupling pins are onerous to insert/remove and prone to rusting. Furthermore, the coupling assemblies often have too much lateral tolerance. As such, the attachment tools are prone to lateral movement relative to the lift arm during operation. Therefore, an attachment tool coupling assembly for a construction vehicle is needed to easily couple and release the attachment tool from the lift arm assembly and prevent lateral movement of the attachment tool relative to the lift arm assembly.