Quick Coupler Lock Indicator With Internal Pin Rotation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock indicator systems for quick couplers in working machines are prone to dirt and debris, require frequent maintenance, provide false positive locking indications, lack redundancy, and have complex and expensive wiring, leading to reduced reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A lock indicator arrangement with internal sensors in the locking pins that rotate and engage with the attachment device, providing redundant locking confirmation through independent sensor devices, and using radio signals for communication, eliminating external exposure and complex wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are exposed to the outside environment to detect locking pin positions, then locking status can be monitored, but the sensors become sensitive to dirt, dust and debris requiring continuous maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested inside the locking pin, with the sensor housing formed as part of the locking pin structure. The sensor detects the rotational position of the locking pin from the interior, eliminating exposure to external contaminants while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the sensor and the external environment. The sensor detects magnetic field changes caused by the locking pin rotation without direct mechanical exposure to dirt and debris.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to verify locking position and avoid false positives, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is given rotational freedom around its extension axis, creating a dynamic degree of freedom. The sensor detects this rotational position to verify proper engagement, using the dynamic movement itself as the detection mechanism rather than requiring multiple static sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects changes in rotational position parameter of the locking pin. By monitoring the angular position rather than using multiple linear position sensors, the system achieves reliable verification with a single sensor.
3Reliability
If complex wiring is used to connect sensors and provide electrical energy, then sensing capabilities are maintained, but installation and replacement become time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking through extension, enables detection through its rotational degree of freedom, and integrates the sensor housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wiring and connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin structure itself provides the sensor mounting and protection housing, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting brackets and complex wiring infrastructure. The system uses its own structural elements to support the sensing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock indicator arrangement (100) for a quick coupler (10) for attaching a tool (20) to a working machine (1), the lock indicator arrangement (100) comprises a locking device (19), comprising a first locking pin and second locking pin (13a, 13b), wherein the first locking pin (13a) is configured to rotate around the first locking pin center axis (13a′), in relation to the frame (11), between a first and second rotation position, wherein the first and second locking pin (13a, 13b) comprises comprising a first and second wedge surface portion (15a, 15b), respectively, configured to engage with the first attachment device (22a) of the tool (20), during an attachment of the tool (20), wherein the first locking pin (13a) is configured to rotate from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, during the movement from the retracted to the extended position, when the first wedge surface portion (15a) engage with the first attachment device (22a), wherein the extended position and second rotation position of the first locking pin (13a), forms a locked position of the tool (20) received in the first tool receiving portion (12), wherein the lock indicator arrangement (100) further comprises a first sensor device (16a), wherein the first sensor device (16a) is configured to sense at least when the first locking pin (13a), is in the second rotation position.