Resilient Holding Webs for Quick Coupler Adapter Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-change systems for construction machines suffer from malfunctions due to wear and tear of separate damping elements, leading to sensitivity and damage from force and vibration impacts during coupling and decoupling processes.

Innovation Solution

The adapter features resilient holding webs connecting the coupling element carrier to the coupling elements, providing damping and protection against impacts, and enabling faster load response and uniform contact pressure without separate damping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate damping elements (rubber rings) are used to cushion forces on coupling elements, then the coupling elements are protected against impacts, but these separate damping elements wear out differently and lead to malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of coupling connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of damping system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the damping function into the coupling element carrier itself by creating resilient holding webs that are integrated into the carrier structure. This eliminates separate damping elements (rubber rings) and combines the damping function with the structural function of the coupling element carrier, thereby improving reliability while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient holding webs are created using elastic deformation properties of the coupling element carrier material itself. The carrier is designed with web structures that have sufficient elasticity to provide damping, effectively using the material's inherent properties rather than requiring separate damping materials, thus improving reliability without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid connecting webs are used to connect the coupling element carrier to the coupling elements, then the connection is stable, but forces and vibrations during coupling cause damage to weld seams and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of connectionVSAvoidvibrations and impacts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connecting structure from rigid to resilient by designing the holding webs with elastic deformation capabilities. This allows the connection to maintain strength while simultaneously absorbing vibrations and impacts, thereby reducing harmful effects on weld seams and components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient holding webs are designed to provide beforehand cushioning by elastically deforming in anticipation of and during coupling forces. This pre-built-in cushioning capability protects the connection from damage caused by sudden impacts and vibrations during the coupling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If separate damping elements are used, then damping effect is provided, but the reaction to load changes is slow and uniform contact pressure cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectVSAvoidreaction speed to load changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the damping function into the coupling element carrier's holding webs, the system achieves immediate response to load changes since the resilient structure is directly integrated into the load path. This eliminates the lag associated with separate damping elements and enables uniform contact pressure distribution across the coupling interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the connection's stability and durability, reducing the risk of damage from vibrations and resonances, and allows for faster reaction to load changes, thereby improving the quick-change system's performance and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter (2) contains two resilient holding webs (19, 20) for connecting the coupling element carrier (18) to the coupling elements (5, 6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The spring effect of the holding webs can be achieved in a particularly simple and advantageous manner in that the holding webs are of arcuate design

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring effect: Spring

Implementation Method 3

In addition, the resilient retaining webs can also dampen vibrations that are generated, for example, by changes in oil pressure in the hydraulic lines connected to the coupling elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3517690B1Adapter, quick coupling and quick coupling system
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 OILQUICK DEUT KG
  • EP3517690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3517690B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3517690B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter (2) for a quick-change system for changing attachments on a construction machine, comprising a support body (3, 4) with two coupling elements (5, 6) arranged at a predetermined distance from one another for connecting the adapter (2) to a quick coupler (1), and a coupling element carrier (18) attached to at least one coupling element (5, 6). According to the invention, the coupling element carrier (18) is attached to the at least one coupling element (5, 6) via one or more resilient retaining lugs (19, 20).