Quick Coupler Locking Drive With Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers for construction machines lack flexibility in adjusting locking properties, particularly in scenarios where motor energy fails or hydraulic supply is disrupted, leading to potential unlocking issues due to vibration or external forces.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler design featuring a motorized rotary drive with a gear mechanism and toggle lever, allowing for both motorized and manual operation, with a shaft-hub connection for manual actuation, and incorporating a bypass valve for fluidic operation, ensuring secure locking and unlocking even without power, and featuring a mechanical stop for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized rotary drive with hydraulic operation is used, then automated locking and unlocking is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power failure and hydraulic supply disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between automated hydraulic operation and manual mechanical operation. The drive shaft can be manually actuated through the drive when hydraulic power is unavailable, enabling the system to adapt its operation mode based on available energy sources and operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft serves as an intermediary element that can transmit motion from either the hydraulic motor or direct manual input. This intermediate component enables flexible operation by accepting input from multiple sources and transmitting it to the locking bolts, ensuring continued functionality regardless of power source availability.
2Extent of automation
If hydraulic operation is used for the rotary drive, then automated actuation is achieved, but the system lacks operational capability when hydraulic supply is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both automated hydraulic mode and manual mechanical mode. The same drive shaft and gear mechanism serve dual purposes: receiving rotary motion from the hydraulic motor during normal operation, and accepting direct manual input when hydraulic supply is disrupted, ensuring versatile operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on hydraulic supply availability. When hydraulic pressure is available, automated operation occurs; when disrupted, the system transitions to manual operation through the drive shaft, allowing continuous functionality across varying operational conditions.
3Extent of automation
If locking bolts are moved linearly with hydraulic cylinders, then automated locking is achieved, but the system lacks manual override capability
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft acts as an intermediary that can receive input from either the hydraulic motor or direct manual application. This intermediate element enables the transmission of manual force through the existing gear mechanism to the locking bolts, providing manual override capability while preserving the automated hydraulic locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from purely automated hydraulic actuation to a hybrid system that accepts both automated and manual input. The drive mechanism dynamically responds to either hydraulic pressure or manual force applied to the drive shaft, enabling flexible operation and manual override when needed.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued with integrated components, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for maintenance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the hydraulic motor, the drive shaft with integrated handle, the gear mechanism, and the locking bolts. This segmentation allows the compact integration of components while maintaining accessibility of individual elements for maintenance and repair, as each component can be independently accessed and serviced.
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 solution enhances flexibility and security by enabling manual operation in case of power failure, maintaining secure locking and preventing unintended unlocking due to vibration or external forces, while allowing for compact and maintenance-friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
The locking bolts for locking an adapter are moved linearly with the aid of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
the drive shaft is mechanically connected to the locking bolt. Because the supply energy is converted into a rotary movement before it is converted back into a linear movement of the locking bolt
Implementation Method 3
The dead center lock is designed as a toggle lever mechanism and can be moved into both dead center positions by means of a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-change device (10) having at least one locking bolt (26) and a motor drive which moves the locking bolt (26) into a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the drive (16) has an energy connection (28a, 28b) and output means (34) interacting with the locking bolt (26), wherein the drive (16) comprises a rotary drive (30) having a motor and an output shaft (34), wherein the output shaft (34) is mechanically connected to the locking bolt (26), with the result that the locking bolt (26) is movable along an actuation axis. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the drive (16) has an attachment (20) for a shaft-hub connection, on which attachment a tool for manual actuation can be mounted, with the result that a manual actuation acts directly on the output shaft (34) and here the attachment (20) is arranged coaxially to a rotary connection (32a, 32b) of a gear shaft (32c, 32d).