Quick Hitch Latch Actuator Extraction for Rotator Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick hitches used with rotators in construction machinery face challenges in simple and reliable latching and unlatching, often requiring complex and expensive rotary unions for energy supply, which restricts rotational freedom and complicates the mechanical configuration.
Innovation Solution
The quick hitch design positions the latch operating actuator at the stationary rotator attachment part, allowing a rotatable latch adjustment part to transfer the adjustment movement to the latch element, eliminating the need for a rotary union through the rotator and providing greater rotational freedom in the mechanical adjustment train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary union is used through the rotator for energy supply of the latch operating actuator, then the latch elements can be actuated, but the device complexity increases and rotational freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The latch operating actuator is extracted from the rotating coupling half and relocated to the stationary rotator attachment part. This removes the need for a rotary union through the rotator, eliminating the complex rotating energy supply while maintaining latch actuation capability through the stationary actuator and rotatable adjustment part mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
A rotatable latch adjustment part is introduced as an intermediary between the stationary latch operating actuator and the rotating latch element. This adjustment part transfers the adjustment movement from the stationary actuator to the rotating latch element, enabling latch control without requiring the actuator itself to rotate
2Ease of operation
If the latch operating actuator is positioned at the rotating coupling half, then the latch can be actuated, but rotational freedom is restricted due to the rotary union requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch control system is segmented into three independent functional parts: the stationary latch operating actuator at the rotator attachment part, the rotatable latch adjustment part that transfers movement, and the rotating latch element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function independently without requiring the actuator to rotate, maintaining full rotational freedom
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the actuator on the rotating side and supplying energy through a rotary union, the actuator is placed on the stationary side and the rotation is transferred to the adjustment part. This inverted arrangement eliminates the rotary union requirement while maintaining latch control functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A quick hitch for coupling and decoupling a tool at a rotator for rotating the tool that has a rotator attachment part that is attachable to an excavator arm or the like and that has a rotary rotator part rotatable relative thereto, wherein the quick hitch has a coupling part at the rotator side that is fastenable to the rotatable rotary rotator part and has a coupling part at the tool side, wherein the two coupling parts can be brought into engagement with one another and can be latched to one another by at least one latch element. A latch operating actuator is provided at the rotator attachment part for actuating a latch adjustment part movably arranged at one of the coupling parts for the unlatching and/or latching of the latch element, the latch operating actuator being rotatable about the rotator axis of rotation relative to the latch adjustment part.