Work Vehicle Multi-Coupler Breakaway Tether Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-coupler assemblies for work vehicles do not adequately address the issue of unintended detachment of work implements, leading to potential damage to fluid lines and vehicle components during breakaway events, as they lack controlled disengagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a work vehicle multi-coupler assembly with a breakaway feature that allows controlled disengagement of fluid connectors along a coupling axis, incorporating a coupler mechanism with an exit slot and a tether to redirect pulling forces away from fluid lines, ensuring safe detachment during implement breakaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-coupler assemblies are used to connect fluid lines between work vehicle and implement, then fluid power transmission is achieved, but unintended detachment causes stress and damage to power lines and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a breakaway feature with a tether and exit slot that allows controlled separation of the implement from the work vehicle. The tether limits the distance of separation and redirects pulling forces, preventing sudden jerks that would damage power lines and components. This beforehand cushioning mechanism protects the system during breakaway events while maintaining reliable connection during normal operation.
2Strength
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to prevent detachment, then connection strength is improved, but controlled disengagement during breakaway events becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into a main coupling body and a separate breakaway feature with a tether. The tether acts as a sacrificial element that can be broken or stretched to allow controlled separation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain strong coupling during normal operation while allowing controlled disengagement during breakaway events through the tether's failure mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether serves as an intermediary element between the coupling mechanism and the implement. It mediates the separation process by limiting the distance of detachment and redirecting pulling forces away from the power lines. The tether's controlled failure or elongation provides a buffer that enables safe breakaway while maintaining coupling strength during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-coupler assembly for a work vehicle includes a first bank of fluid connectors, a second bank of fluid connectors configured to matingly engage the first bank of fluid connectors along a coupling axis, and a coupler mechanism coupled to the first bank of fluid connectors. The coupler mechanism is controllable to bring the second fluid connector bank into mating engagement with the first fluid connector bank. A breakaway feature is integrated into the coupler mechanism. The breakaway feature facilitates controlled disengagement of the first fluid connector bank from the second fluid connector bank along the coupling axis during a breakaway event, such as when an implement inadvertently detaches from the work vehicle. The breakaway feature may permit controlled disengagement of the first and second fluid connector banks without requiring movement of the coupler mechanism.