Quick Coupler With Modular Gripping Tong
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling systems for construction machines limit the range of applications due to their fixed design, which restricts the versatility of attachments and tools that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system with a gripping tong arrangement featuring multiple gripper arms that can be moved against each other, actuated by a gripping tong drive, and equipped with exchangeable gripper elements, allowing for easy adaptation to different applications without requiring a complete system rebuild.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design quick coupling system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the range of applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping tong arrangement is divided into modular components: the main body mounted on the quick coupler, multiple gripper arms that can be independently positioned, and interchangeable gripper elements that can be attached to different arms. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various application requirements by reconfiguring or replacing specific components rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping tong arrangement incorporates a gripping tong drive that enables dynamic adjustment of the gripper arms and gripper elements during operation. The gripper arms can be moved against each other to adapt to different object sizes and shapes, allowing the system to dynamically respond to varying application requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exchangeable gripper elements are used, then the adaptability to different materials is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper arms are designed as universal mounting structures that can accommodate multiple types of gripper elements through standardized attachment mechanisms. This allows a single gripper arm design to serve multiple functions by simply changing the gripper element, reducing the need for multiple specialized arm designs and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper elements are designed as replaceable, relatively simple components that can be easily exchanged when worn or when a different application requires different gripping characteristics. This approach allows the use of simpler, less expensive materials and designs for individual gripper elements compared to designing a single complex, durable multi-purpose gripper.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gripping tong arrangement is made retrofittable, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping tong arrangement is designed as a separate, self-contained module that can be manufactured independently and then installed on the quick coupler. This segmentation allows the retrofitting process to involve mounting a pre-assembled unit rather than integrating components into an existing structure, which can maintain connection reliability while improving ease of manufacture.
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 system enables an extended range of applications by allowing the gripping tong arrangement to be easily retrofitted and adapted to various tasks, such as gripping and transporting pipes, rings, bars, stones, and other materials, without the need for extensive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a quick coupler arranged on a connecting part so that it can rotate about a rotary axis by means of a hydraulic rotary drive
Implementation Method 2
swivel about a swivelling axis orthogonal to the rotary axis by means of a hydraulic swivel drive
Implementation Method 3
a gripping tong arrangement with several gripper arms that can be moved against each other, which can be actuated by means of a gripping tong drive
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupling system for changing attachments on a construction machine, which contains a quick coupler arranged on a support so as to be rotatable about a rotary axis by means of a rotary drive and/or pivotable about a swivelling axis by means of a swivel drive for coupling a tool or an attachment part. A gripping tong arrangement, which can be actuated by means of a gripper drive, is arranged on the quick coupler and has a plurality of gripper arms which can be moved against each another, and exchangeable gripper elements are arranged on the gripper arms.