Quick Coupling Safety Device with Cam-Tappet Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplings for tools on mechanical arms lack a mechanical safety device that operates in conjunction with the actuating device, leading to potential accidental detachment and increased risk of projection when the second axle is not properly coupled, as the safety device's operation is independent of the longitudinal locking pins and lacks clear indicators of abnormal situations.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling with a mechanical safety device that includes a cam-tappet mechanism, where the tappet is rotated by a connection member to lock or disengage the axle, and a visual signaling system using contrasting colors to indicate the operational status, ensuring the adapter is securely engaged or not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic safety device is used that operates independently of the longitudinal locking pins, then the safety function is provided, but the reliability is reduced because non-operation cannot be detected and accidental detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety device operation with the actuating device operation by mechanically coupling the tappet to the connection member. The tappet is rotated by the connection member during the same operational sequence that moves the longitudinal locking pins, so that safety device activation is integrated into the primary locking process rather than being an independent hydraulic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indication means (such as colored indicators or flags) that show the operational status of the safety device. This allows the operator to verify that the tappet has been properly activated and the safety function is engaged, creating a detectable feedback loop that confirms correct operation.
2Reliability
If the safety device operation is independent of the longitudinal locking pins, then the safety function is provided, but the ease of operation is reduced due to lack of clear indicators and abnormal situation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators that change or become visible based on the operational state of the safety device. For example, a green indicator may be visible when the tappet is in the engaged position, while a red indicator shows when it is disengaged or in an abnormal state, providing immediate visual feedback to the operator about the coupling status.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication system provides continuous feedback to the operator about the safety device status, allowing immediate detection of abnormal situations such as failed tappet activation or incomplete coupling operations, thereby enhancing operator awareness without adding mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If a mechanical cam-tappet safety device is used that operates with the actuating device, then the reliability is improved through synchronized operation, but the device complexity increases due to the cam-tappet mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-tappet mechanism is designed to activate automatically as part of the normal actuating device operation sequence. The connection member's movement during standard coupling operations directly rotates the tappet through the cam mechanism, so the safety device serves itself without requiring separate activation steps or additional energy input from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with a purely mechanical cam-tappet mechanism that converts the linear motion of the connection member into rotational motion of the tappet. This substitution eliminates hydraulic components and fluid systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable synchronized operation with the longitudinal locking pins.
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 ensures the adapter and tools are securely attached by mechanically locking the axle and providing a visual indication of the coupling status, preventing accidental detachment and enhancing safety by synchronizing the safety device with the actuating mechanism, thus reducing the risk of projection.
Implementation Method 1
a cam-tappet mechanism, where the tappet is rotated by a connection member to lock or disengage the axle
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick coupling (1) for an adapter (A) for tools provided with two axles (AX1), (AX2) ; the coupling (1) comprising a box-shaped frame (10) provided with a pair of sides (16) (16') extending along a given direction (D), each of which is delimited at the front by an abutment (12) (12') for said axles (AX1), (AX2); a locking assembly (20) being provided between the sides (16) (16') and comprising a pair of first pins (22) (22') parallel to the direction (D) and integrally coupled together by a connection member (24); each side (16) (16') having a respective hook (140) (140') provided with a seat (14) for the axles (AX1), (AX2); an actuating device (26) being provided to move the first pins (22) (22') with reciprocating motion along the direction (D) between a first retracted position and an operative position (OP) facing the abutment (12); the assembly (20) comprising a safety device (200) that is suitable to lock an axle (AX1) (AX2), through mechanical interference, and can be mechanically actuated by the connection member (24).