Quick Coupling Mechanism Wedge Safety Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupling mechanisms for tools on machines like hoe excavators are time-consuming and lack secure, remote operation, particularly in confined areas where accidental disengagement poses a risk.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling apparatus featuring a coupler member with a movable wedge and safety latch, operated by a remotely controlled hydraulic actuator, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without manual intervention, utilizing a wedge bias element for continuous engagement and a single acting hydraulic cylinder for efficient disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a quick coupling mechanism is used to reduce coupling time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge positioning mechanism is designed to automatically move the wedge between open and closed positions through hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates the coupling process through automated control of the wedge's positional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety latch mechanism provides feedback control by monitoring the wedge's position and automatically engaging or disengaging based on whether the wedge is in the closed or open position. This feedback loop ensures reliable coupling while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If a manually operated safety pin is used to secure the wedge, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The manual safety pin operation is replaced with a remotely operated hydraulic latch control system. The hydraulic actuator receives remote control signals to automatically move the safety latch between latched and unlatched positions, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety latch mechanism utilizes hydraulic actuation to replace manual mechanical operation. The hydraulic cylinder receives control signals to automatically position the safety latch, providing reliable wedge securing without requiring manual pin insertion or removal.
3Ease of operation
If a double acting hydraulic cylinder is used to move the coupling bar, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for a double acting hydraulic cylinder by using a single acting hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with a spring mechanism. This reduction in hydraulic components simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of operation through automated wedge positioning.
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
Facilitates rapid and secure tool attachment and detachment, maintaining control and safety by preventing accidental disengagement, even in confined spaces, with the ability to operate the safety latch remotely, reducing operator risk and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A wedge bias element is operative to continuously exert a wedge bias force on the wedge towards the closed position and into the groove
Implementation Method 2
A single acting actuator is operative to selectively exert an actuator force on the wedge only in a direction substantially opposite to the wedge bias force to move the wedge toward the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupling apparatus for coupling a tool to a tool arm comprises a coupler member attached to the tool arm, and configured to engage a mounting bracket extending out from the tool. A wedge is mounted on the coupler member and is movable, when the coupler member and mounting bracket are engaged, from a closed position engaged in a groove on the mounting bracket to an open position where the wedge is removed from the groove. A wedge positioning mechanism selectively moves the wedge to the closed position and the open position. When the wedge moves into the groove and into the closed position, a remotely operated latch control moves a safety latch from an unlatched position to a latched position to prevent the wedge from moving toward the open position. The wedge positioning mechanism can be configured to utilize a single or double acting actuator.