Quick-Hitch Mechanical Blocking Cylinder for Excavator Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-hitches for coupling tools to excavator arms face challenges in providing a reliable, space-saving locking mechanism that can withstand high forces and operate reliably under rough conditions, especially when the hydraulic system fails, while avoiding additional protruding components that could be damaged during construction.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a mechanical blocking device with a lead screw and anti-rotation device within the actuating cylinder, allowing the piston to be displaced only by turning the lead screw, and a releasable anti-rotation device for secure locking without additional space, enabling high force absorption with minimal reaction forces and dual hydraulic/mechanical locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic locking mechanism is used to secure the latch, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic actuating cylinder with the mechanical blocking device into a single integrated unit. The lead screw mechanism is housed within the actuating cylinder, and the anti-rotation device is integrated into the cylinder structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking components, reducing device complexity while maintaining both hydraulic actuation and mechanical locking functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating cylinder serves multiple functions: it provides hydraulic actuation for latch movement, houses the lead screw for mechanical blocking, and contains the anti-rotation device. This multi-functionality allows the same component to achieve both hydraulic control and mechanical security, improving reliability without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
2Strength
If additional locking components are added to ensure reliability under high forces, then the locking strength is improved, but the device protrudes beyond outer contours and becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the lead screw and anti-rotation device within the actuating cylinder, which itself is integrated into the hitch half structure. The mechanical blocking components are contained inside the hydraulic cylinder bore, and the anti-rotation device is nested within the cylinder structure. This nesting arrangement provides strong mechanical locking capability while keeping all components within the existing outer contours of the quick-hitch, avoiding protruding vulnerable parts.
3Volume of moving object
If a mechanical blocking device with lead screw is integrated into the actuating cylinder, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead screw mechanism is integrated within the actuating cylinder structure, utilizing the cylinder's internal space. The blocking device components are arranged concentrically within the cylinder bore, and the anti-rotation device is incorporated into the cylinder assembly. This merging approach achieves compact space utilization while the modular integration keeps the complexity manageable through functional consolidation rather than separate discrete components.
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
This solution provides a reliable, space-efficient locking mechanism that securely latches the quick-hitch even under high forces and rough conditions, preventing unintentional unlatching and maintaining stability without additional components protruding beyond the quick-hitch's outer contours.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw which is in a threaded engagement with the piston and/or the piston rod of the actuating cylinder, so that the piston can only be displaceable by turning the lead screw
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment actuator that is actuated by external energy is provided, which actuator can for example be designed as a hydraulic cylinder and is typically actuatable by means of hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-hitch for coupling a tool to an excavator arm or to a similar tool manipulator, including two hitch halves that can be latched together and that comprise at least one pair of latching parts with which a displaceable latch is associated, an actuating cylinder being provided for actuating the latch. The actuating cylinder has a mechanical blocking unit for locking the latching position of the bolt, having a lead screw which is in a threaded engagement with the piston and/or the piston rod of the actuating cylinder, so that the piston is only displaceable by turning the lead screw, as well as a releasable anti-rotation device for the lead screw.