Quick Coupler Front Pin Locking for Power-Off Release Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick couplers in excavators lack a reliable safety lock system, particularly for the front pin, and fail to operate during power-off situations, with no emergency release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler apparatus with a locking guide and actuator system that includes a pivot pin, locking arm, and release wedge mechanism, ensuring the front pin is securely locked or released, even in power-off conditions, utilizing mechanical components for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick coupler is designed to be easily disconnected by hand, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened because the coupler can be accidentally disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into separate functional components: a front pin assembly with locking mechanism and a rear pin assembly. The front pin can be independently locked in place, allowing the coupler to remain connected while enabling controlled disconnection when needed. This segmentation allows the system to provide both easy operation and safety through independent control of each pin assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The front pin is provided with a locking mechanism that can be engaged in advance to prevent accidental disconnection. The locking mechanism includes a lock arm that can be positioned to secure the front pin in place before any disconnection operation is attempted. This preliminary locking action ensures safety while allowing intentional disconnection when the locking mechanism is deliberately actuated.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the front pin assembly, combining the pin and lock arm into a single integrated unit. The lock arm is positioned adjacent to the front pin and works together with it as one assembly, rather than being a separate complex mechanism. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the safety function of preventing accidental disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock arm serves as an intermediary element between the front pin and the coupling system. It provides a simple mechanical interface that can engage or disengage the front pin without requiring complex controls or multiple components. The lock arm acts as a mediator that translates simple user input into the appropriate locking or unlocking action, keeping the mechanism straightforward while effective.
3Reliability
If the front pin is made detachable with a locking mechanism, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because additional steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked states. The lock arm can be actuated to engage or disengage the front pin, providing flexible control. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between safety mode (locked) and operation mode (unlocked), maintaining both safety and ease of operation through simple state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through simple user input. When the user pulls the coupler apart, the mechanical interaction between the pins and lock arms automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism without requiring separate controls or complex operations. The system serves itself by using the disconnection force to automatically trigger the locking or unlocking action, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Quick coupler with front pin safety lock system comprising body (20), front pin lock (201) configured to rotate pivotally to lock in a pin, slide ratchet (200) configured to move forward-backward to force the front pin lock (201) to rotate, actuator (220) comprising a cylinder (221) and a piston rod (222) which moves in the cylinder (221), rear lock (230) connected to the piston rod (222), links configured to connect the rear lock (230) and the slide ratchet (200) and casing (240) configured to house a part of the links and a part of the slide ratchet (200), is provided. It can work even when power is cut off and emergency front pin release can be performed.