Quick-Release Fastener Hook Geometry for Bucket Attachment Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release fasteners for construction machines, such as mechanical shovels, are dangerous due to the bucket potentially falling out during attachment, posing a risk to personnel on construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with enhanced front hooks and recessed areas that ensure the trunnion remains engaged, preventing detachment even if the operator incorrectly rotates the coupler, and a locking mechanism that secures the bucket to the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the front hook is designed with a simple rod and hook head structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates as the bucket can detach during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The hook head extends vertically beyond the trunnion centerline, adding a vertical dimension to the connection geometry. This creates a mechanical stop where the hook head prevents the trunnion from disengaging, transforming a potentially detachable connection into a reliable locked connection without adding complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook head acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the trunnion. It provides a receiving cavity that guides the trunnion into proper alignment and creates a mechanical interlock, preventing direct disengagement while maintaining connection integrity during the attachment process.
2Reliability
If the hook head extends higher beyond the trunnion center, then the safety against incorrect rotation is improved, but the ease of operation during attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hook head is pre-configured with a receiving cavity that guides the trunnion into the correct position before full engagement. This preliminary guidance ensures that even if the operator rotates the coupler incorrectly, the trunnion is already positioned to engage safely with the hook head, preventing detachment before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical dimension of the hook head is optimized to extend beyond the trunnion centerline by a specific amount. This parameter change creates a mechanical advantage where the hook head provides a stopping point for incorrect rotation while maintaining smooth engagement for correct operation, balancing safety with ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A device forming a coupler including a coupler, or quick-release fastener, and a connection device; the connection device including at least one, preferably two, trunnions, front and back respectively; the coupler including a base body from which, on a front side, at least one hook originates having a region forming a rod and a region forming a hook head extending upwards from the region forming a rod to form, with the base body, at least one receiving cavity for the trunnion or trunnions, having an opening at the top extending between the base body and the region forming the respective head of the respective hook. When the trunnion or trunnions in the receiving cavity comes into contact with the region forming a rod, the region forming a head extends upwards beyond the centre of the circular section of the trunnion.