Tool-Free Coupling Structure to Prevent Nuisance Disconnections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges in tool-less attachment of components, leading to nuisance disconnections and increased complexity in seed metering systems, especially with the rise of Seed-On-Demand systems requiring more row units and jumper circuits.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure featuring a connector piece with a pin and a complementary slot having a less steeply angled inlet ramp compared to the receiving pocket's ramp, facilitating secure tool-less attachment and reducing disconnection forces, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement by hand without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tool-less coupling structure is used for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to nuisance disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure employs asymmetric ramp angles where the inlet ramp has a shallower angle than the retention ramp, creating directional engagement that is easy to initiate but difficult to disengage accidentally. This asymmetry ensures that the connector piece can be easily inserted while requiring deliberate force to remove, preventing nuisance disconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot and pin interface utilizes curved ramp surfaces that guide the connector piece into proper alignment and engagement. The curved geometry of the ramps provides smooth transition during insertion while creating a mechanical lock during operation, balancing ease of attachment with connection stability.
2Reliability
If a tool-less coupling structure with steep ramps is used, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure employs asymmetric ramp angles where the inlet ramp has a shallower angle than the retention ramp, creating directional engagement that is easy to initiate but difficult to disengage accidentally. This asymmetry ensures that the connector piece can be easily inserted while requiring deliberate force to remove, preventing nuisance disconnections.
3Reliability
If traditional tool-based attachment is used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from separate tools and integrates it directly into the coupling structure itself. The slot and pin configuration with differentiated ramps provides both engagement and retention functions within the basic coupling components, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, clips, or tool-based fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure serves multiple functions: the slot and pin provide mechanical connection, the inlet ramp facilitates easy insertion, and the retention ramp provides secure holding. This multi-functionality within a single coupling mechanism eliminates the need for separate fastening systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle includes a coupling structure for making a tool-less attachment between a first connector piece and a second connector piece. The first connector piece has at least one pin, and the second connector piece has at least one slot adapted to receive the pin in a receiving pocket that is circumferentially spaced from an axially-open inlet portion of the slot. The slot includes an inlet ramp between the slot inlet portion and the receiving pocket, and the inlet ramp is less steeply angled than a second ramp surface that forms a portion of the receiving pocket adjacent the first ramp.