Quick Joint Hook Mechanism for Front Loader Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front loader attachment and detachment methods on tractors are time-consuming and prone to corrosion, requiring significant manual effort and sometimes additional equipment due to the use of pins, which can become stuck or corroded from exposure to soil and dust.
Innovation Solution
A quick joint system featuring a hook-shaped coupling member, a spring member for easy release, a lock unit with a rotating lock pin, and a guide slot with a fixing groove, allowing for rapid and effortless attachment and detachment of the front loader by applying an elastic force and restraining the coupling member at a coupling position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pin connection scheme is used to attach the front loader, then the structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to rotate about a pivot point, transforming the static pin insertion process into a dynamic rotational motion. The operator simply needs to rotate the coupling member to engage or disengage the lock pin, which automatically inserts into or withdraws from the fixing groove, dramatically reducing attachment and detachment time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin automatically inserts into the fixing groove when the coupling member rotates to the engaged position, and automatically withdraws when rotated to the disengaged position. This self-acting mechanism eliminates the need for manual insertion and extraction operations, reducing both time and physical effort required for attachment and detachment
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional pin is used for connection, then the structure is simple, but the pin becomes prone to corrosion and sticking due to exposure to soil and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is extracted from the conventional fixed pin design and transformed into a movable component that rotates with the coupling member. This allows the lock pin to be dynamically positioned - engaged during operation for reliability, and automatically disengaged during detachment to prevent corrosion and sticking by removing contact with the coupling member surface
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin transitions from a static connection element to a dynamic component that moves with the coupling member's rotation. This dynamic positioning reduces continuous contact and potential corrosion points, while the rotating motion helps prevent sticking by periodically changing the contact interface
3Ease of manufacture
If manual pin fitting and removal is required, then the structure remains simple, but significant manpower is consumed during attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member utilizes rotational motion about a pivot point, allowing the operator to engage or disengage the connection by simply rotating the member. This dynamic rotational operation requires minimal force and can be performed with one hand, dramatically reducing the manpower required compared to manual pin insertion and extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin automatically performs the connection and disconnection functions through the rotational motion of the coupling member. The lock pin self-inserts into or withdraws from the fixing groove without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of pins and reducing operational effort to a simple rotation action
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
Enables quick and effortless mounting or removal of the front loader from a tractor, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of corrosion-related issues, as the system automatically secures the coupling member with an elastic force and lock pin, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manpower requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member for applying an elastic force in a direction of releasing the coupling member from a coupling target shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A quick joint of a front loader, the quick joint includes: a coupling member (30) having a hook shape and pivotally connected to a first pivot point (P1) of a boom post (20) through a first pivot shaft (31); a spring member (32) for applying an elastic force in a direction of releasing the coupling member (30) from a coupling target shaft (14) disposed on a boom post support (10) which is attached to a tractor (1); a lock unit (34) having a part making contact with the coupling member (30), and provided with a lock pin (36) for restraining behavior of the coupling member (30) at a coupling position (A1); and a guide slot (38) having an arc shape and formed in the boom post (20) to define a moving path of the lock pin (36) when the lock unit (34) rotates.