Sensor-Verified Quick Coupler for Heavy Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick coupler systems for heavy machines often fail to securely lock appliances/tools, leading to potential drops that can cause injuries and material damage, and require visual inspection from the driver's cabin for connection verification, which can be difficult.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an upper and lower fastening portion, and at least one locking element, equipped with sensors to verify correct locking and engagement, eliminating the need for visual inspection and enhancing security through automated control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection from driver's cabin is used for connection verification, then the driver can check connection status, but the inspection is difficult and may lead to undetected locking failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors (such as optical, magnetic, or capacitive sensors) automatically detect whether the appliance is properly locked to the tool arm, eliminating the need for difficult visual inspection from the driver's cabin while ensuring reliable connection verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors detect the locking status and provide information to the driver's cabin display or control system. This automated feedback loop ensures that the driver receives accurate connection status information without needing to perform difficult visual inspections, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If locking wedge is manoeuvred to locking position, then the fastening portions are locked together, but incorrect contact with fastening pin may result in appliance dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect the positioning of the locking wedge and fastening pins before final locking occurs. This preliminary detection allows the system to verify that components are correctly aligned and positioned, preventing incorrect locking even if manufacturing precision varies. The sensor verification acts as a preliminary check that ensures safe locking conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensor feedback to monitor the locking process in real-time, detecting whether the locking wedge has made correct contact with the fastening pin. This feedback mechanism provides continuous verification during the locking operation, allowing the system to detect and prevent incorrect positioning that could lead to appliance dropping, thereby compensating for variations in manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If sensors are added to verify locking and engagement, then connection security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting locking wedge position, verifying fastening pin engagement, and providing feedback to the control system. By using multi-functional sensors rather than separate dedicated sensors for each detection task, the patent enhances connection security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a sensor system that automatically monitors and verifies locking conditions without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment. The sensors self-verify the locking status and provide automated feedback, enhancing connection security while keeping the system relatively simple by eliminating the need for complex manual inspection procedures or additional sophisticated control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting appliances/tools to a tool arm, wherein the apparatus includes: an upper fastening portion (10B) adapted to be supported by a tool arm (2) of a machine; a lower fastening portion (16A) arranged to support at least one appliance/tool (5) to be maneuvered by the machine, wherein the lower fastening portion (16A) has one or more recesses (40,41) arranged to receive corresponding fastening pins (30,31) of the appliance/tool (5) for engagement when connecting the appliance/tool to the apparatus; and at least one locking element (50) arranged to be in a locking position for locking the appliance/tool to the apparatus when the fastening pins are in engagement with the recesses (40,41); wherein the apparatus further includes: at least one first sensor (70) arranged to verify that the locking element (50) occupies a correct locking position; and at least one second sensor (80) arranged to verify correct engagement between the fastening pins (30,31) and the recesses (40,41). The invention also relates to a method.