Smart Quick Coupling System for Safe Equipment Attachment Selection and Operation

This article introduces a new approach of an intelligent equipment attachment identification system based on passive radio frequency sensing technology that provides operators with the assurance the correct attachment is used while all hydraulic functions, which are so far set manually, are maintained. The article first provides an introduction to the technology of quick coupling devices and its advantages and current limitations. Concluding from corresponding safety statistics that fatal accidents involving quick couplers are on the rise, the developed identification and control system as well as the experimental test environment and measurement procedure are introduced. Results show that an intelligent quick coupling system for equipment attachment selection and operation can provide equipment operators with additional, safe and productive alternatives to existing malfunctioning systems or practices.