Tool Carrier Plug-In Elements for Interchangeable Standards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool carriers for loading vehicles are limited to specific attachment standards, requiring complex and costly adapter frames and significant assembly efforts to accommodate tools with different standards, and often change the angular position of tools relative to the ground, complicating operation.

Innovation Solution

A tool carrier design featuring plug-in elements with slot-shaped recesses and web-shaped retaining plates, allowing for interchangeable tool holders that can be easily swapped between different attachment standards, eliminating the need for adapter frames and minimizing assembly effort, while maintaining compatibility with various standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adapter frames are used to accommodate different attachment standards, then compatibility with multiple standards is improved, but device complexity and material intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple attachment standardsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool carrier is segmented into a permanent base structure and interchangeable tool holders. Each tool holder is designed as a separate module that can be independently attached or detached, allowing the system to adapt to different attachment standards without modifying the entire carrier structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent base structure incorporates universal mounting features that can accommodate multiple attachment standards. By designing the base with versatile mounting points and allowing interchangeable tool holders, a single structure serves multiple functions and standards without requiring separate adapter frames for each standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapter frames are used to accommodate different attachment standards, then compatibility with multiple standards is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple attachment standardsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the tool carrier into permanent base and interchangeable holders, manufacturing becomes more efficient. Each component can be produced independently using optimized processes, avoiding the need to manufacture and assemble complex adapter frames for each attachment standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent base structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple standards, eliminating the need to produce separate adapter frames for each standard. This reduces manufacturing variety and complexity, leading to lower production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pivotable receiving parts are used to switch between attachment standards, then adaptability is improved, but locking complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to switch between standardsVSAvoidtime for changing standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the switching function into simple interchangeability of tool holders rather than complex pivotable mechanisms. Each tool holder can be independently attached or detached, making the switching process quick and straightforward without cumulative locking steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Tool holders are pre-configured with specific attachment standard features, so when a tool holder needs to be changed, the operator simply removes one pre-configured holder and attaches another pre-configured holder for the desired standard, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments or locking sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If pivotable receiving parts are used to switch between attachment standards, then adaptability is improved, but operational complexity increases due to angle changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different standardsVSAvoidtool angle compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool holder design segments the attachment interface to maintain consistent mounting geometry. By keeping the mounting points and attachment geometry consistent across different standard holders, the tool's angular position relative to the carrier remains unchanged when switching standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The permanent base structure provides universal mounting geometry that ensures all tool holders, regardless of which attachment standard they support, mount tools at the same angle and position. This universal geometry eliminates the need for operators to compensate for angle changes when switching between standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2573278B1Tool carrier
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 DEERE & CO
  • EP2573278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573278B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2573278B1 patent drawingFigure 4~9

AI summary

The tool carrier has a tool carrier frame (22), and tool retainers (20, 20') formed at the carrier frame. The retainers are designed as plug-in elements. Retaining slots (50) are formed at the carrier frame, where the retainers are plugged on the retaining slots. Storage slots for storing the plug-in elements are formed at the carrier frame, and a u-shaped retaining part for accommodating a hanging bolt is formed at the plug-in parts. A holding plate (48) is formed at one of the retaining slots, and a locking pin (58) i.e. spring connector, is formed at the storage slots.