Work Machine Coupler Unit with Self-Blocking Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler units for work machines often provide false coupling indications due to misalignment of work tools, leading to delays and increased operator effort in verifying alignment, which affects reliability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A coupler unit with a slider mechanism that moves from a misaligned to an aligned position based on contact with the work tool, ensuring proper alignment of the pin with the work tool and preventing false coupling indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking pin is allowed to fully extend to trigger the indication system, then the coupling status can be indicated, but false coupling indications occur when the work tool is misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The slider acts as an intermediary component between the locking pin and the work tool bore. It mediates the alignment verification process by physically blocking the pin's path when misaligned, preventing false indications without requiring complex sensors or detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism performs self-verification through the slider's mechanical intervention. The system automatically detects misalignment and prevents incorrect coupling indications without external intervention or complex monitoring systems, making the mechanism self-correcting and reliable.
2Reliability
If the operator visually checks alignment to prevent false indications, then coupling accuracy improves, but operator effort and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slider mechanism enables the coupler unit to automatically verify alignment and prevent false indications without operator intervention. The mechanical blockage provided by the slider when misaligned eliminates the need for operators to visually check alignment, reducing effort and downtime while maintaining high reliability.
3Productivity
If the work tool position is not precisely controlled, then coupling speed is faster, but misalignment and false indications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is positioned to preemptively block the locking pin's path before false coupling can occur. This preliminary mechanical intervention prevents misaligned coupling indications without requiring precise control of the work tool position, allowing fast coupling operations while maintaining indication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves as a mechanical intermediary that tolerates variations in work tool positioning. It absorbs the misalignment variability by providing physical blockage when needed, allowing the coupling process to proceed quickly without compromising the accuracy of coupling indications.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler unit for coupling a work tool with a work machine includes a coupling bracket. The coupler unit includes a pin, at least one side plate, a boss extending from the side plate, and a slider movably coupled with the boss. Based on a contact of the work tool with the slider, the slider is configured to move relative to the boss from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the slider is misaligned relative to the boss and the side plate, and the slider prevents receipt of the pin within the boss and the side plate. In the second position, each of the coupling bracket, the slider, the boss, and the side plate are in alignment with each other, and the pin is receivable within each of the coupling bracket, the slider, the boss, and the side plate.