Two-Stage Connector Coupling Assembly for Excavator Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool coupling systems for work machines, particularly those used in construction and excavation, face challenges in efficiently and compactly transmitting high bending moments while allowing for multiple degrees of freedom in a confined workspace, and require improved mechanisms for secure and efficient attachment and detachment of tools.
Innovation Solution
A tool coupling assembly featuring a machine mounting body with first and second connectors, where the second connector moves in a crank arrangement between a release, engaged, and lock position, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of the tool mounting body, with the second connector being retractable to protect itself from damage and requiring a shorter stroke for locking, enabling compact actuator assembly and efficient force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling system uses a single-direction connector movement, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the connector is vulnerable to damage and requires longer stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The second connector is designed to move dynamically through two distinct stages: first in a first direction to engage with the tool mounting body, then in a second direction perpendicular to the first to lock into position. This dynamic multi-directional movement allows the connector to achieve both engagement and locking functions while protecting itself from damage by controlling the sequence and direction of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector movement is segmented into two distinct stages with different directions. The first stage moves the connector in a first direction for engagement, while the second stage moves it in a second direction for locking. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing the overall stroke required and protecting the connector from damage.
2Reliability
If the connector requires long stroke for locking, then the locking is secure, but the actuator assembly becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing two-stage movement in different directions, the system achieves secure locking with a shorter overall actuator stroke. The first direction movement handles the engagement phase, while the perpendicular second direction movement completes the locking phase, distributing the motion requirements and reducing the total stroke length needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from single-direction linear movement to two-dimensional movement by introducing a second direction perpendicular to the first. This dimensional change allows the connector to achieve secure locking through a more efficient motion path, reducing the stroke required and enabling a more compact actuator assembly.
3Strength
If the coupling system uses closely spaced connection points, then high bending moments can be transmitted, but the workspace becomes more confined
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage connector movement enables the system to maintain closely spaced connection points for high bending moment transmission while adapting to confined workspaces. The perpendicular second direction movement allows the connector to lock securely without requiring additional space, as the locking action occurs in a direction perpendicular to the main engagement motion.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A tool 1 is coupled to a work machine 3 by an assembly comprising a tool mounting body 110 connected to the tool 1 and a machine mounting body 130 connected to the work machine 3. The machine mounting body 130 comprises one or more first connectors 33, 34 which releasably engage the tool mounting body in a mounted position relative to the machine mounting body, and one or more second connectors 50. Each second connector is movable relative to the machine mounting body in a first stage of movement in a first direction D1 from a release position to an engaged position, in which the tool mounting body 110 may be retained in the mounted position on the machine mounting body 130, and then in a second stage of movement in a second, different direction D2 from the engaged position to a lock position in which the tool mounting body 110 is locked in the mounted position in fixed relation to the machine mounting body 130 to transfer forces between the work machine 3 and the tool 1.