Quick Coupling Hook Geometry for Self-Tilting Latch Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-coupling hooks require a complicated manual movement sequence for operators to transition the actuating component from the operating position to the setup position, which can be challenging for inexperienced users.
Innovation Solution
The design of the quick-coupling hook includes a virtual connecting line that defines the actuating component's position and orientation, allowing for an off-center preload force from the preload spring to generate a tilting moment, facilitating automatic movement of the actuating component into the setup position through a translational and tilting motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating component is designed to be manually operated by fingering a ring eyelet, then the operator can control the movement sequence, but the operation becomes complicated and difficult for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating component is designed to automatically perform the tilting motion when pulled out, without requiring the operator to manually tilt it. The component self-adjusts its orientation through the interaction between its geometry and the contact formations, making the system serve itself rather than requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating component has an asymmetric geometry with a first contact formation on one side and a second contact formation on the opposite side. This asymmetry creates different interaction patterns with the hook body during movement, enabling the automatic tilting function when the component is pulled out, thereby simplifying the operation for the user.
2Reliability
If the actuating component requires translational and tilting movements to reach the setup position, then the component can be securely positioned, but inexperienced operators may require several attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating component automatically performs the tilting motion needed to engage the locking formation when pulled out, without requiring the operator to manually control this secondary motion. The component self-adjusts its orientation through the interaction between its geometry and the contact formations, ensuring reliable positioning on the first attempt.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric design of the actuating component with contact formations on opposite sides creates a mechanical interaction that automatically guides the tilting motion during extraction. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the component naturally orients itself correctly as it moves out, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
3Strength
If the actuating component is housed in the hook body in the operating position, then the connection is secure, but the component must be pulled out and tilted to reach the setup position
Solution Approach 1:
When the actuating component is pulled out from the hook body, it automatically performs the tilting motion needed to engage the locking formation, without requiring the operator to manually tilt it. The component self-adjusts its orientation through the interaction between its geometry and the contact formations, simplifying the operation while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric geometry of the actuating component with contact formations on opposite sides creates a mechanical interaction that automatically guides the tilting motion during extraction from the hook body. This design allows the component to easily transition from the housed operating position to the setup position while maintaining connection strength.
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 design simplifies the operation by ensuring the actuating component moves into the setup position effortlessly, even for inexperienced users, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a preload spring (18) which is connected to the actuating component (16) and which exerts an off-center force on the actuating component (16), thereby generating a tilting moment on the actuating component (16)
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick coupling hook (10) comprises a hook body (12), a securing latch (14), an actuating component (16) coupled to the securing latch (14) for common movement, a pretensioning spring (18), a first hook-body-side contact formation (58) on a first side of the actuating component (16), and a second hook-body-side contact formation (64) on a second side of the actuating component (16) opposite the first side, wherein the pretensioning spring extends between a spring bearing on the hook body side and a spring bearing on the actuating component side and pretensions the actuating component towards its operating position, wherein the actuating component (16) bears against the first and second hook-body-side contact formations (64) in its operating position.According to the invention, in a reference state of the quick coupling hook (10), in which the actuating component (16) is in an operating position and the safety latch is in a securing position preventing uncoupling, a virtual connecting line (48) passing through both the spring bearing (22) on the hook body side and the spring bearing (46) of the pretensioning spring on the actuating component side has a distance (D) from the first contact formation (58) on the hook body side that is at least twice as great as from the second contact formation (64) on the hook body side.