Quick Coupler Latch Mechanism with One-Piece Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick couplers either lack a positive lock to prevent the latch from being rotated open or require manual opening before attaching an implement, which can lead to damage or complexity in design.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler latch mechanism featuring a one-piece trigger, spring, stop, and control bar, where the trigger is pivotally coupled to the latch and control bar, and a shoulder surface limits pivoting to ensure a locking feature without manual latch opening, allowing implement attachment without pre-opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-held L-shaped latch is used, then the latch can be automatically opened by implement pins, but the latch lacks a positive lock to prevent rotation to the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the latch body, the trigger member, the stop member, and the spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the trigger receives the implement pin and converts linear motion to rotational motion, the stop provides the positive lock, and the spring provides the closing force, thereby resolving the contradiction between automatic opening and positive locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger member acts as an intermediary between the implement pin and the latch body. It receives the linear push from the implement pin and converts it into rotational motion to open the latch, while also serving as a mediator that allows the stop member to engage and provide the positive lock. This intermediary mechanism enables both automatic opening and secure locking.
2Reliability
If a straight latch with 2-part column is used, then a positive lock is provided to hold the latch closed, but manual opening is required before attaching an implement
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger member is extracted as a separate functional element from the traditional column mechanism. It is positioned to extend through the latch body and receive the implement pin directly. This extraction allows the implement pin to directly actuate the latch opening without requiring manual intervention, while the stop member continues to provide the positive lock when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger member is pre-positioned to extend beyond the latch body in a direction that allows it to receive the implement pin before the latch is fully closed. This preliminary positioning enables the implement pin to automatically actuate the latch opening mechanism during the closing process, eliminating the need for manual opening while maintaining the positive lock capability.
3Ease of operation
If a trigger that buckles the column is added to enable automatic attachment, then the latch can be opened without manual intervention, but the column requires many components and becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger member and the column function are merged into a single integrated component. The trigger member serves both as the element that receives the implement pin and as the element that actuates the latch opening. This merging eliminates the need for separate column members and their associated linkages, significantly reducing the number of components while maintaining the automatic attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger member is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a receiver for the implement pin, a converter of linear motion to rotational motion, and an actuator for the latch opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity while enabling automatic implement attachment.
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 mechanism provides a positive lock while enabling implement attachment without manual latch opening, reducing complexity and cost by using fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
A latch spring is mounted on the latch and engages the frame and biased to urge the latch to its closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler has a frame with a hook, and an operator movable control bar. The hook has a recess for receiving a hitch pin. A latch mechanism includes a latch, a one-piece trigger, a spring, and a stop fixed to the coupler frame. The latch is pivotally coupled to the frame and moves to open and closed positions permitting and preventing the hitch pin to move into and out of the hook recess. The trigger is pivotally coupled only to the latch and to the control bar. The trigger engages the hitch pin and moves the latch to the open position. When the hitch pin is in the hook recess, the stop engages the trigger and prevents the latch from moving to its open position. A central portion of the trigger is pivotally coupled to a central portion of the latch. A shoulder surface is formed in a lower end of the latch, and a tab projects from an end of the trigger. The tab engages the shoulder surface to limit pivoting of the latch to its open position when the trigger engages the stop. A latch spring is mounted on the latch and engages the frame and urges the latch to its closed position.