Tool-Holding Frame With Proximity Sensors For Secure Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holders for handling machines often fail to ensure proper coupling between the tool and the tool holder, leading to potential tool drop and safety issues, especially in autonomous handling machines where visual checks are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
The tool holder incorporates proximity sensors to verify the correct hanging of the tool on the tool holder and the proper positioning of the tool's eyelet within the housing space before engaging the locking mechanism, ensuring secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual checks are performed by an operator to verify proper coupling, then safety can be improved, but this approach is time-consuming and cannot be used in autonomous handling machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an automated sensor-based detection system. Optical sensors or proximity sensors automatically verify the coupling status of the tool to the tool holder, eliminating the need for manual visual checks by operators. This substitution enables autonomous verification without time loss and makes the system suitable for autonomous handling machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification of coupling status through integrated sensors that automatically detect and report the coupling state. The handling machine itself performs the safety verification without external intervention, allowing continuous operation without manual checking pauses and enabling autonomous operation.
2Ease of operation
If simple mechanical coupling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of improper coupling and tool detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide feedback on the coupling status between the tool and tool holder. The system detects whether the tool is properly coupled and can alert the operator or automatically prevent operation if coupling is improper. This feedback mechanism maintains simple mechanical coupling operations while significantly improving coupling reliability through automated verification.
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 effectively reduces the risk of improper coupling and tool drop by providing a reliable, sensor-aided verification process, enhancing safety and efficiency in both manned and autonomous handling machine operations.
Implementation Method 1
a second proximity sensor which is positioned opposite the first housing space and which is arranged to deliver a signal representative of the positioning of the first eyelet in the first housing space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool-holding frame (2) intended to be articulated on the boom (3) of a handling machine (1) and intended to be coupled to a tool (4); said tool-holding frame (2) comprising at least one first attachment member (22) intended to be attached to a first complementary member (24) integral with the tool (4); at least one first housing space (38) intended to receive a first eyelet (34) of the tool (4) having a locking orifice (32); a first proximity sensor which is positioned opposite an area intended to receive the first complementary member (24); and a second proximity sensor (51) which is positioned opposite the first housing space (38). Figure to be published: 5