Quick-Release Coupler Promontories for High-Force Tool Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick coupling devices for attaching tools like buckets to machine arms, such as hydraulic excavators, lack sufficient resistance to the high forces exerted by the bucket, leading to potential breakage and reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating protrusions and complementary notches on the base plate of the connection parts to enhance structural strength and prevent wear, ensuring secure locking even under high forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the base plate is made simpler without promontories, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and resistance to forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to forcesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is segmented by adding promontories (protrusions) at strategic locations to divide and reinforce the structure. These promontories create multiple load-bearing points that distribute the forces from the bucket and balance cylinder, preventing concentration of stress at single points and thereby increasing overall strength without requiring a complete redesign of the entire base plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire base plate more complex or heavier, the invention applies local reinforcement only where needed. The promontories are positioned at specific locations on the base plate to provide localized strength enhancement at critical stress points, allowing the rest of the structure to remain simple while achieving the required overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the locking plate slides freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the wear and service life deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidlocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The promontories on the base plate are designed to engage with corresponding features on the locking plate before the main locking action occurs. This preliminary engagement guides the locking plate into proper alignment and provides initial resistance to sliding, preventing excessive wear during operation while still allowing smooth locking when properly aligned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the base plate is made stronger to withstand high forces, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand forcesVSAvoidweight of connection part
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate uses segmented reinforcement through promontories rather than solidifying the entire structure. This allows strength to be added only at critical points where forces are applied, while the rest of the base plate maintains its original lightweight design, achieving the required strength without unnecessary weight gain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by adding promontories only at specific locations where the base plate needs to withstand high forces from the bucket and balance cylinder. The material distribution is optimized to provide maximum strength at critical stress points while minimizing material usage elsewhere, thereby increasing strength without proportionally increasing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The design improves the device's ability to withstand significant forces, preventing breakage and extending its service life while ensuring safe and reliable attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a locking plate mounted to slide and biased by spring means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4636170A1Quick-release device in two connecting parts for attaching a tool to the end of the arm of a machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 KLAC IND SA
  • EP4636170A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636170A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636170A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A quick-release device for attaching a tool, such as a bucket, to the end of the arm of a machine, such as a hydraulic excavator or the like, comprising a first connecting part (1) for attaching to the bucket and a second connecting part (2) for attaching to the arm, the first part (1) comprising a base plate (3) having a front edge (11) and a rear edge (10), a coupling hook (4, 5), respectively a trunnion, being provided from the lower face of the base plate (3) and a locking hook (6) being provided from the upper face of the base plate (3), the second part (2) comprising a trunnion (9), respectively a hook, for coupling to the coupling hook (4, 5), respectively to the trunnion, of the first part (1), a base plate (30) and a locking plate (32) mounted to slide and biased by spring means,the locking hook (6) of the first part (1) being intended to pass through a through opening formed in the sliding locking plate (32) of the second part (2) to hook onto an edge of the opening after sliding of the locking plate (32) to ensure the locking of the quick-release device, characterized in that two promontories (16, 17), respectively right and left, project at the front of the base plate (3) of the first part.,