Quick Coupler Lever Mechanism for Secure Adapter Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers for earthmoving machines face issues with the securing mechanism becoming loose due to wear, incorrect handling, or malfunction, leading to potential accidents and premature material failure, while also being high and vulnerable to external influences.
Innovation Solution
The quick coupler design positions the axis of rotation within the housing, away from the first contact area, and arranges the adapter axis between the first and second contact areas, creating a lever effect that prevents unintentional opening and distributes forces to maintain the securing element in the closed position, even under operational loads, thus enhancing operational safety and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the axis of rotation is positioned close to the first contact area to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coupling claw is weakened and can bend open under operational loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the axis of rotation from a location near the first contact area to a location within the housing at a distance from the first contact area. This spatial repositioning in another dimension creates a lever effect that distributes forces more effectively, preventing the coupling claw from bending open while maintaining structural integrity under operational loads.
2Reliability
If the quick coupler is designed with a high profile to accommodate the securing mechanism, then the securing mechanism can function, but the overall height increases and the bottom is open making it vulnerable to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the axis of rotation within the housing structure, positioning it inside the housing rather than externally. This nesting approach allows the securing mechanism to function reliably while maintaining a compact, low-profile design that encloses all critical components, protecting them from external influences and eliminating the vulnerability associated with open bottom designs.
3Reliability
If the securing element is designed to close the coupling claws at the bottom to secure the adapter axis, then the adapter axis is secured, but a large proportion of operational forces act on the securing element causing jamming and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the axis of rotation from the bottom closure position and repositions it within the housing at a distance from the first contact area. This extraction removes the securing element from the high-stress zone where it would otherwise bear the brunt of operational forces, thereby reducing jamming and premature wear while maintaining adapter axis security through the lever effect.
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
This design ensures the adapter axis remains securely connected, preventing accidental detachment and reducing material stress, while maintaining a low profile and minimizing exposure to external influences, thereby enhancing operational safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
creating a lever effect that prevents unintentional opening and distributes forces to maintain the securing element in the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick coupler (16) for connecting a work implement equipped with an adapter (18) to an earthmoving vehicle, such as an excavator, comprising a housing (16a), at least one coupling claw (16b) oriented in a first direction for engaging an associated adapter axis (18b) of the adapter (18), a locking element movable between a locking position and an open position for locking the quick coupler (16) in the adapter (18), the locking element being oriented in a second direction, and a locking mechanism (22) for securing the adapter axis (18b) of the adapter (18) in the coupling claw (16b) when the adapter axis (18b) is in the closed position of the quick coupler (16) in the coupling claw (16b), the locking mechanism (22) comprising at least one movable locking element (24).which is pivotable about a first axis of rotation (26) between an open position and a locking position, in the closed position of the adapter axis (18b) and in the locking position of the locking element the locking element (24) has a first contact area (24b) via which the locking element (24) can bear against the adapter axis (18b) as required, wherein this first contact area (24b) is arranged with respect to the axis of rotation (26) such that when the adapter axis (18b) is loaded in the direction out of the closed position in the coupling claw (16b) of the quick coupler (16), this force resulting from the load pushes the locking element (24) further into the locking position about the axis of rotation (26) via the first contact area (24b), wherein the first contact area (24b) is related to a vertical plane (38) to a straight line (30) which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (26) and to a The central axis (40) of the coupling claw (16b) runs,The invention is characterized in that the locking element (24) is arranged on one side of the plane (38) and the axis of rotation (26) on the other side of the plane (38) when the adapter axis (18b) is in the closed position of the coupling jaws (16b), the plane (38) passing through the jaw axis (40). The invention is characterized in that the locking element (24) has at least one form with a second contact area (24c) which comes into contact with the adapter axis (18b) of the adapter (18) when the quick coupler (16) is inserted into the adapter (18) and, by a predetermined further relative movement of the adapter axis (18b) towards the closed position of the adapter axis (18b) via the second contact area (24c) of the locking element (24), pushes it into the open position about the axis of rotation (26), and that the second contact area (24c) together with the central axis (28) of the adapter axis (18b) forms a second,a straight line (36) running perpendicular to the central axis (28) and the axis of rotation (26) is arranged above it such that when the adapter axis (18b) of the adapter (18) comes into contact with the locking element (24) when the quick coupler (16) is inserted into the adapter (18), the axis of rotation is arranged above the straight line (36) when the adapter axis (18b) rests on, in particular the front area (16e), of the coupling claw (16b) and is in contact with the second contact area (24c).