Quick Coupler Mechanical Position Indicator for Neutral Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-change systems for construction machinery require complex and sensitive electrical sensors for monitoring the rotation and tilt position of quick couplers, necessitating a separate power supply.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical rotation and swivel indicator with pointer-shaped elements is integrated into the quick-change system to monitor the position of the quick coupler, allowing verification of the neutral position without electrical sensors or additional power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical sensors are used to monitor the rotation and tilt position of the quick coupler, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power supply requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical sensors with a purely mechanical indicator system. The indicator comprises a pointer element mechanically coupled to the quick coupler's rotation and tilt mechanisms, which directly translates the coupler's angular positions into pointer deflections. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical sensors, power supply, and associated electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining position monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical indicator creates a physical copy or representation of the quick coupler's angular position through the pointer's position on a scaled dial. The pointer mechanically replicates the coupler's orientation state, providing a visible indication of rotation and tilt angles without requiring direct electrical measurement of the actual position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If electrical sensors are used for position monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidpower supply requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical sensors with a purely mechanical indicator system. The indicator comprises a pointer element mechanically coupled to the quick coupler's rotation and tilt mechanisms, which directly translates the coupler's angular positions into pointer deflections. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical sensors, power supply, and associated electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining position monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical indicator system is self-powered through the mechanical energy already present in the quick coupler's movement. As the coupler rotates or tilts, the mechanical connection automatically drives the pointer to indicate the new position, requiring no external power source. The system uses the motion itself to generate the indication, making it energy-independent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If electrical sensors are used for position monitoring, then reliability is improved through accurate measurement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition verification reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical sensors with a purely mechanical indicator system. The indicator comprises a pointer element mechanically coupled to the quick coupler's rotation and tilt mechanisms, which directly translates the coupler's angular positions into pointer deflections. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical sensors, power supply, and associated electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining position monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the electrical sensor subsystem from the quick-change system. By taking out the sensors, power supply, and electronic components, the invention simplifies the overall system while retaining the essential function of position monitoring through the purely mechanical indicator mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4502278B1Quick change system

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 OILQUICK DEUT KG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a quick-change system (1) for changing attachments on a construction machine, which includes a quick-change device (3) arranged on a carrier (2) rotatably about a rotary axis (5) by means of a rotary drive (4) and pivotably about a pivot axis (7) by means of a swivel drive (6), which has first receptacles (23) on one side for receiving and holding a tool-side first bolt-shaped coupling element and second receptacles (24) on the other side for receiving and holding a tool-side second bolt-shaped coupling element.According to the invention, a mechanical rotary and swivel indicator (26) is arranged on the quick-change system (1), which includes a first indicator element (27) with an associated first marking (29) for monitoring the rotary position of the quick-changer (3) relative to the carrier (2) and a second indicator element (28) with an associated second marking (30) for monitoring the tilting position of the quick-changer (3) relative to the carrier (2).