Guide element for hydraulic fluid

Abstract

Guide element (206, 208) for hydraulic fluid, comprising: a first end surface (402), a second end surface (404) and an outer surface (406) connecting the first end surface (402) to the second end surface (404), wherein the first end surface (402) includes a first chamfered opening (408), and the second end surface (404) includes a second opening (412) which is in fluid communication with the first chamfered opening (408) to define a longitudinal bore (260) which includes a tapered region (418), wherein the outer surface (406) includes a head section (422) adjacent to the first end surface (402) and a shaft section (424) adjacent to the second end surface (404), and wherein the shaft section (424) is threaded. wherein the first chamfered opening (408) and the tapered region (418) are configured to guide the hydraulic fluid to facilitate the conversion of a turbulent flow of hydraulic fluid into a laminar flow of hydraulic fluid.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a particle sensor assembly and, for example, to a guide element for hydraulic fluid. State of the art

[0002] Hydraulic fluid is a key component for many mobile and stationary machines. Hydraulic fluid can be used, for example, as a lubricant or to facilitate power and / or heat transfer within a system. However, over time, solid particles can accumulate in hydraulic systems due to ingress from external sources such as dust or sand, or from internal sources such as gear, bearing, or pump wear, which can lead to system damage or performance degradation. Some systems can utilize a sensor assembly to monitor contaminants in the hydraulic fluid, but these can be cumbersome, expensive, and limited in their application.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,940,333, issued to Pawliszyn on July 10, 1990, discloses a detector that measures concentration gradients within a sample. The detector includes a sample chamber, a light source adapted to direct a probe light beam through the sample chamber, means for detecting the position of the probe light beam after passing through and exiting the sample chamber, and means for periodically introducing excitation energy into the sample chamber that is adapted to be absorbed by preselected chemical compounds when present in the chamber. Thus, when the preselected chemical compound is present, it absorbs the excitation energy and, through the photothermal process, creates a temperature gradient in the sample that substantially corresponds to the concentration gradient of that chemical in the sample.This temperature gradient forms a refractive index gradient and is therefore also detected by the probe light beam passing through the sample chamber.

[0004] WO 2019 / 115583 A1 discloses a pipe system comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a first tubular end and a second tubular end, wherein the second tubular end has a free tubular end with a beveled shape. The inner ring further comprises a transition section connecting the first tubular section and a second tubular section with different diameters, wherein the transition section is designed to minimize turbulence and impingement of a fluid flowing through it.

[0005] The particle sensor assembly of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the prior art. Brief description

[0006] In some implementations, a hydraulic fluid guide member includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer surface connecting the first end surface to the second end surface, the first end surface including a first tapered opening and at least one notch, the second end surface including a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening to define a longitudinal bore including a tapered region, the outer surface including a head portion adjacent the first end surface and a shank portion adjacent the second end surface, and the shank portion being threaded, the first tapered opening, the at least one notch, and the tapered region being configured to guide the hydraulic fluid,to facilitate the conversion of turbulent flow of hydraulic fluid into laminar flow of hydraulic fluid.

[0007] In some implementations, a fluid guiding member includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer surface connecting the first end surface to the second end surface, wherein the first end surface includes a first opening, the second end surface includes a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening to define a longitudinal bore, the longitudinal bore includes a frusto-conical portion configured to reduce turbulence of fluid flowing therethrough; and the outer surface is threaded at least partially along the length thereof.

[0008] In some implementations, a hydraulic fluid guide member includes a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer surface connecting the first end surface to the second end surface, the first end surface including a first opening and a plurality of notches eccentrically disposed with respect to the first opening, the second end surface including a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening to define a longitudinal bore including a tapered portion, the plurality of notches and the tapered portion configured to guide the hydraulic fluid to facilitate conversion of turbulent flow of the hydraulic fluid to laminar flow of the hydraulic fluid. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid monitoring system with a particle sensor assembly. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly. Fig. Figure 3 is an isometric view of the particle sensor assembly. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a guide element of the particle sensor assembly. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the guide element. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly in an in-line configuration. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly in a kidney loop configuration. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly in a hybrid configuration. Detailed description

[0009] This disclosure relates to a particle sensor assembly applicable to any system that includes a transparent fluid. The fluid may be, for example, a hydraulic fluid (e.g., mineral oil, water glycol, phosphate ester) or another type of fluid. The system may be implemented in a machine, such as a car, bulldozer, crane, excavator, tractor, or other type of machine.

[0010] To simplify the explanations below, the same reference numerals may be used for identical features. The drawings may not be to scale.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a fluid monitoring system 100 that includes a fluid source 102 and a particle sensor assembly 104. The fluid source 102 serves as a source for the hydraulic fluid to flow through the particle sensor assembly 104. The fluid source 102 may, for example, be a reservoir, a pipe, a manifold, a gearbox, a filter base, or another type of enclosure with a first hole 106 and a second hole 108. To monitor the amount of dirt particles (e.g., dust, sand, or other types of particles) therein, the fluid source 102 is attached to the particle sensor assembly 104, which is described below in connection with the Fig. 2-3. As indicated by the arrows, the hydraulic fluid can flow through the first hole 106 and re-enter the fluid source 102 through the second hole 108 after traveling a path through the particle sensor assembly 104.

[0012] It is to be understood that Fig. 1 illustrates a general flow path of the hydraulic fluid (e.g., from the fluid source 102, through the particle sensor assembly 104, and back into the fluid source 102) and is not intended to illustrate how the particle sensor assembly 104 is configured and / or attached to the fluid source 102. Depending on space constraints or other factors, the particle sensor assembly 104 can form various configurations that can change the shape and / or length of the path. Examples of the various configurations are described in connection with the Fig. 6-8 described.

[0013] As stated above, Fig. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the description in Fig. 1. The number and arrangement of the components may, for example, differ from the Fig. 1. Thus, additional components, fewer components, different components, and / or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0014] Fig. 2-3 are schematic illustrations of the particle sensor assembly 104. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly 104. Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the particle sensor assembly 104.

[0015] The particle sensor assembly 104 includes a housing 202, a particle sensor 204, a first guide member 206, a second guide member 208, a cover 210, and a base plate 212. The housing 202, which may be formed from a single, integral piece of material (e.g., steel), includes a first end surface 214, a second end surface 216, a top surface 218, and a bottom surface 220. The first end surface 214 includes a first end opening 222. The second end surface 216, opposite the first end surface 214, includes a second end opening 224 that communicates with the first end opening 222 to form a longitudinal bore 226. The longitudinal bore 226 may be at least partially threaded or otherwise configured to receive the first guide member 206 and the second guide member 208.The upper surface 218 connects the first end surface 214 to the second end surface 216 and includes an upper opening 228. The bottom surface 220, opposite the upper surface 218, includes a first bottom opening 230, a second bottom opening 232, and a third bottom opening 234. The first bottom opening 230 communicates with a first transverse bore 236 that intersects the longitudinal bore 226. The second bottom opening 232 communicates with a second transverse bore 238 that intersects the longitudinal bore 226. The third bottom opening 234, positioned between the first bottom opening 230 and the second bottom opening 232, communicates with the upper opening 228 to define a detection chamber 240 for the particle sensor 204. The detection chamber 240 intersects the longitudinal bore 226.The first transverse bore 236, the second transverse bore 238, and the detection chamber 240 may intersect with the longitudinal bore 226 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Other intersection angles are also possible.

[0016] To accommodate one or more modular components as described below in relation to the Fig. 6-8, the first end opening 222, the second end opening 224, the first bottom opening 230, and the second bottom opening 232 may be tapered. For example, one or more of the first end opening 222, the second end opening 224, the first bottom opening 230, and the second bottom opening 232 may form a counterbore or a cylindrical counterbore. Additionally or alternatively, the first transverse bore 236 and the second transverse bore 238 may be at least partially threaded or otherwise configured to receive the one or more modular components. Similarly, the top opening 228 and the third bottom opening 234 may form cylindrical counterbores to receive components of the particulate sensor 204 and the base plate 212, respectively.

[0017] The particle sensor 204 is an optical sensor that includes a light source 242, a detector 244, and a transparent tube 246 disposed therebetween. The light source 242 may, for example, be a light-emitting diode mounted in the top opening 228 of the housing 202. The detector 244 may, for example, include a photodiode located in the detection chamber 240 to process a pattern of the light passing from the light source 242 through the transparent tube 246. The transparent tube 246, which defines a passage 256 for the hydraulic fluid, is concentrically disposed within the longitudinal bore 226 to extend across the detection chamber 240 and receive the light from the light source 242. The transparent tube 246 may be formed of glass or another transparent material.An electrical cable 258 may enable the particle sensor 204 to transmit information from the detector 244 to a user interface. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical cable 258 may supply power to the particle sensor 204. Other power sources, such as a battery and / or a solar panel, are possible.

[0018] The first guide member 206 and the second guide member 208 are concentrically disposed within the longitudinal bore 226 on opposite sides of the transparent tube 246. The first guide member 206 has a first longitudinal bore 260, and the second guide member 208 has a second longitudinal bore 262. The first longitudinal bore 260 and the second longitudinal bore 262 are in fluid communication with the passage 256 of the transparent tube 246 to allow the hydraulic fluid to pass therethrough. As described below in connection with the Fig. 3-4, the first guide member 206 and the second guide member 208 are constructed and arranged to facilitate the conversion of turbulent flow of hydraulic fluid to laminar flow of hydraulic fluid.

[0019] The cover 210 is disposed over the top opening 228 to protect the light source 242 and connect the electrical cable 258 to the particle sensor 204. The base plate 212 is secured in the third bottom opening 234 of the bottom surface 220 to protect the detector 244. In other words, the cover 210 and the base plate 212 enclose the particle sensor 204 in the detection chamber 240. The cover 210 and the base plate 212 can be attached to the housing 202 with bolts or other types of fasteners (e.g., screws, clamps, and / or the like).

[0020] To enclose the particle sensor 204, the first guide member 206, and the second guide member 208, the particle sensor assembly 104 has a width in a range of approximately 50 millimeters (mm) to approximately 100 mm, a height in a range of approximately 50 mm to approximately 100 mm, and a length in a range of approximately 100 mm to 200 mm. To secure the first guide member 206, the second guide member 208, and the transparent tube 246 therebetween, the longitudinal bore 226 has a diameter in a range of approximately 12 mm to approximately 15 mm and a length in a range of approximately 100 mm to approximately 200 mm. The diameter of the first transverse bore 236 and / or the second transverse bore 238 may be less than or equal to the diameter of the longitudinal bore 226. Other dimensions are contemplated.

[0021] As already mentioned, the Fig. 2-3 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the description in Fig. 2-3. The number and arrangement of the components may, for example, differ from the Fig. 2-3. Thus, additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components and / or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 2-3 may be present. To simplify production and / or reduce costs, the particle sensor assembly 104 may, for example, include only one of the first guide element 206 or the second guide element 208.

[0022] Fig. 4-5 are diagrams of the first guide element 206. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide member 206. Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the first guide member 206. The first guide member 206 is substantially identical to the second guide member 208 so that hydraulic fluid can flow in both directions through the longitudinal bore 226.

[0023] As in the Fig. 4-5, the first guide member 206 includes a first end surface 402, a second end surface 404, and an outer surface 406 connecting the first end surface 402 to the second end surface 404. The first guide member 206 may be formed from a single, integral piece of material (e.g., steel). The first end surface 402 includes a first opening 408. The first opening 408 may be chamfered to reduce turbulence of the hydraulic fluid passing therethrough. The second end surface 404, opposite the first end surface 402, includes a second opening 412 communicating with the first opening 408 to form the first longitudinal bore 260.

[0024] The first longitudinal bore 260 includes a first cylindrical portion 414, a second cylindrical portion 416, a frustoconical portion 418, and a third cylindrical portion 420. The first cylindrical portion 414 is located adjacent to the first opening 408, and the second cylindrical portion 416 is located adjacent to the second opening 412. The frustoconical portion 418, which is configured to reduce the turbulence of the hydraulic fluid passing therethrough, is located adjacent to the first cylindrical portion 414. The third cylindrical portion 420 is disposed between the frustoconical portion 418 and the second cylindrical portion 416. The frustoconical portion 418 is tapered such that a diameter of the first cylindrical portion 414 is greater than a diameter of the third cylindrical portion 420.For example, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 414 may range from approximately 8 mm to approximately 9 mm. The diameter of the third cylindrical portion 420 may range from approximately 4 mm to approximately 5 mm. The second cylindrical portion 416 is sized to receive one end of the transparent tube 246 (e.g., via a friction fit, clamped between the first guide member 206 and the second guide member 208, or another type of attachment). For example, the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 416 may range from approximately 8 mm to approximately 9 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, the first cylindrical portion 414, the second cylindrical portion 416, the frustoconical portion 418, and the third cylindrical portion 420 of the first longitudinal bore 260 have lengths configured to ensure that the hydraulic fluid enters the transparent tube 246 in a laminar state and at a flow rate in a range of approximately 1.5 liters per minute (l / min) to approximately 5 l / min. By ensuring that the hydraulic fluid enters the transparent tube 246 in the laminar state and at the flow rate described above, the first longitudinal bore 260 increases the accuracy of the detector 244. For example, the first cylindrical portion 414 may have a length in a range of approximately 7 mm to approximately 10 mm. The second cylindrical portion 416 may have a length in a range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 7 mm.The frustoconical portion 418 may have a length in a range of approximately 4 mm to approximately 7 mm. The third cylindrical portion 420 may have a length in a range of approximately 20 mm to approximately 25 mm.

[0026] The outer surface 406 of the first guide element 206 includes a head portion 422, a shaft portion 424, and an end portion 426. To threadably secure the first guide element 206 in the longitudinal bore 226, the shaft portion 424 can be threaded. The head portion 422 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 424. For example, the diameter of the head portion 422, which corresponds to a diameter of the first end surface 402, can be in a range of approximately 14 mm to approximately 15 mm. The diameter of the shaft portion 424 can be in a range of approximately 12 mm to approximately 14 mm. To ensure that the first guide element 206 sits securely in the longitudinal bore 226 and on the transparent tube 246, the end portion 426 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion 424.For example, the diameter of the end portion 426, which corresponds to a diameter of the second end surface 404, may be in a range of approximately 11 mm to approximately 12 mm. It goes without saying that the longitudinal bore 226 has corresponding dimensions.

[0027] As already mentioned, the Fig. 4-5 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the description in Fig. 4-5. The number and arrangement of the components may, for example, differ from the Fig. 4-5. Thus, additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components and / or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig. 4-5. For example, the first guide member 206 and the second guide member 208 (and accordingly, the housing 202) may be proportionally increased or decreased in size. For example, the length of the first cylindrical portion 414 may be approximately 20% of the total length of the first guide member 206, the length of the second cylindrical portion 416 may be approximately 15%, the length of the frusto-conical portion 418 may be approximately 12%, and the length of the third cylindrical portion 420 may be approximately 53%. As another example, and relative to the diameter of the shaft portion 424, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 414 may be approximately 60%, the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 416 may be approximately 61%, and the diameter of the third cylindrical portion 420 may be approximately 34%.In such an example, the diameter of the frusto-conical region 418 decreases from about 60% to about 34% relative to the diameter of the shaft portion 424.

[0028] The Fig. 6-8 are diagrams of the particle sensor assembly 104 in various configurations. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly 104 in an in-line configuration 600. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly 104 in a kidney loop configuration 700. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly 104 in a hybrid configuration 800.

[0029] As in Fig. 6, the in-line configuration 600 of the particulate sensor assembly 104 includes a first end plug 602 and a second end plug 604. To limit the path of hydraulic fluid within the particulate sensor assembly 104, the first end plug 602 is removably secured in the first end opening 222 of the longitudinal bore 226, and the second end plug 604 is removably secured in the second end opening 224 of the longitudinal bore 226. For example, the first end plug 602 and the second end plug 604 may be threadedly secured in the longitudinal bore 226, or secured by a friction fit, a snap fit, or other type of attachment.

[0030] In use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be mounted or otherwise secured to the fluid source 102 such that the first bottom opening 230 is aligned with the first hole 106 and the second bottom opening 232 is aligned with the second hole 108. Once the particle sensor assembly 104 is thus secured to the fluid source 102, the hydraulic fluid therein may pass through the first transverse bore 236 to enter the longitudinal bore 226. Due to the change in direction of flow at the intersection of the first transverse bore 236 and the longitudinal bore 226, turbulence of the hydraulic fluid may occur. However, as the hydraulic fluid contacts and passes through the first guide member 206, the turbulence of the hydraulic fluid may be reduced by the first guide member 206 such that the flow becomes substantially laminar as the hydraulic fluid enters the transparent tube 246.For example, the hydraulic fluid may have a flow rate ranging from approximately 1.5 liters per minute (l / min) to approximately 5 l / min when the hydraulic fluid flows through the transparent tube 246. Once the light source 242 is illuminated, the light from the light source 242 passes through the transparent tube 246 and the hydraulic fluid. Since dirt particles in the hydraulic fluid are typically opaque, the dirt particles may cast shadows on the detector 244, which is configured to process the light pattern to determine the amount of dirt particles in the hydraulic fluid. The detector 244 may transmit the information via the electrical cable 258 to a user interface (e.g., to alert an operator, to cause the hydraulic system to be shut down, and / or the like).After the hydraulic fluid has exited the transparent tube 246, the hydraulic fluid can flow along the second guide element 208 and the second transverse bore 238 and re-enter the fluid source 102 via the second hole 108.

[0031] As in Fig. 7, the kidney loop configuration 700 of the particle sensor assembly 104 includes a first bottom plug 702, a second bottom plug 704, a first hose 706 (partially shown), and a second hose 708 (partially shown). The first hose 706 includes a first hose fitting 710 at each end thereof, and the second hose 708 includes a second hose fitting 712 at each end thereof. To limit the path of hydraulic fluid within the particle sensor assembly 104, the first bottom plug 702 is removably secured in the first bottom opening 230 of the first transverse bore 236, and the second bottom plug 704 is removably secured in the second bottom opening 232 of the second transverse bore 238. To increase the length of the path of hydraulic fluid outside the fluid source 102 (e.g.,to dissipate heat, reduce the flow rate, and / or the like), the first hose 706 is connected to the first end opening 222 of the housing 202 via one of the first hose ports 710, and the second hose 708 is connected to the second end opening 224 via one of the second hose ports 712. Similar to the first end plug 602 and the second end plug 604, the first bottom plug 702, the second bottom plug 704, the first hose ports 710, and the second hose ports 712 may be threadedly attached or secured by a friction fit, a snap fit, or another type of attachment.

[0032] In use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be attached to the fluid source 102 such that an opposite one of the first hose fittings 710 is attached to the first opening 106 and an opposite one of the second hose fittings 712 is attached to the second opening 108. Once the particle sensor assembly 104 is thus attached to the fluid source 102, the hydraulic fluid therein may flow along the first hose 706, the longitudinal bore 226, and the first guide member 206 to enter the transparent tube 246. The flow rate of the hydraulic fluid passing through the transparent tube 246 may be within the range described above. When the light source 242 is illuminated, the light from the light source 242 passes through the transparent tube 246 and the hydraulic fluid.Since dirt particles in the hydraulic fluid are typically opaque, the dirt particles can cast shadows on the detector 244, which is configured to process the light pattern and transmit the information associated with the light pattern, as described above. After the hydraulic fluid exits the transparent tube 246, the hydraulic fluid can flow along the second guide member 208 and the second hose 708 and re-enter the fluid source 102 via the second hole 108.

[0033] As in Fig. 8, the hybrid configuration 800 of the particle sensor assembly 104 is a combination of the in-line configuration 600 and the kidney loop configuration 700. In particular, the hybrid configuration 800 may include a first bottom plug 702, a first hose 706, and a second end plug 604. To limit the path of hydraulic fluid within the particle sensor assembly 104, the first bottom plug 702 is removably secured in the first bottom opening, and the second end plug 604 is removably secured in the second end opening. To extend the length of the hydraulic fluid path outside the fluid source 102, the first hose 706 is connected to the first end opening 222 of the housing 202 via one of the first hose fittings 710.

[0034] In use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be attached to the fluid source 102 such that an opposite one of the first hose fittings 710 is attached to the first hole 106 and the second bottom opening 232 is aligned with the second hole 108. Once the particle sensor assembly 104 is thus attached to the fluid source 102, the hydraulic fluid therein may pass along the first hose 706 and the first guide member 206 to enter the transparent tube 246. The flow rate of the hydraulic fluid passing through the transparent tube 246 may be within the range described above. As described above, the light from the light source 242 passes through the transparent tube 246 and the hydraulic fluid and is processed by the detector 244.After the hydraulic fluid has exited the transparent tube 246, the hydraulic fluid can flow along the second guide element 208 and the second transverse bore 238 and re-enter the fluid source 102 via the second hole 108.

[0035] As already mentioned, the Fig. 6-8 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the description in Fig. 6-8. The number and arrangement of the components may, for example, differ from the Fig. 6-8. Thus, additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, differently sized components and / or differently arranged components than those shown in Fig.6-8. For example, the hydraulic fluid may flow in the opposite direction through the particle sensor assembly 104. As another example, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be unidirectional. In such an example, the second guide member 208 may be omitted or structurally different from the first guide member 206 (e.g., by having a non-tapered bore instead of a tapered bore and / or the like). Industrial applicability

[0036] The particle sensor assembly 104 of the present disclosure is applicable to any system that includes a transparent fluid. The fluid may be, for example, a hydraulic fluid (e.g., mineral oil, water glycol, phosphate ester) or another type of fluid. The system may be implemented in a machine, such as a car, bulldozer, crane, excavator, tractor, or other type of machine.

[0037] Due to the compact size of the particle sensor assembly 104, the particle sensor assembly 104 of the present disclosure has significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility of application. This versatility is further enhanced by the modularity of the particle sensor assembly 104. Depending on space constraints, environmental conditions, and / or other factors, the particle sensor assembly 104 can be attached to the liquid source 102 in, for example, the in-line configuration 600, the kidney loop configuration 700, or the hybrid configuration 800. Due to the turbulence-reducing features of the first guide element 206 and / or the second guide element 208 (e.g.,Due to their specific features (e.g., the tapered shape of the first opening 408, the frustoconical portion 418, and / or the like), the first guide member 206 and / or the second guide member 208 increase the likelihood that the hydraulic fluid enters the transparent tube 246 in a laminar state and at a flow rate in a range of approximately 1.5 l / min to approximately 5 l / min. As a result, the first guide member 206 and / or the second guide member 208 increases the accuracy of the detector 244 and can therefore be more effective in protecting the system. Furthermore, due to its modularity, the particle sensor assembly 104 reduces the inventory costs associated with additional hardware and simplifies installation processes.

[0038] The foregoing disclosure provides illustrations and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure or learned from practice of implementations. Moreover, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason why one or more implementations may not be combined. Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations.Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0039] As used herein, "a, an, an" and "set" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "a, an, one, or more." Furthermore, the article "the," as used herein, is intended to include one or more items referred to in conjunction with the article "the," and may be used interchangeably with "the one or more." Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least in part based on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "or," as used herein, is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of").Furthermore, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) for convenience, as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device, apparatus, and / or element in use or operation in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

[1] Guide element (206, 208) for hydraulic fluid, comprising: a first end surface (402), a second end surface (404), and an outer surface (406) connecting the first end surface (402) to the second end surface (404), the first end surface (402) including a first beveled opening (408), and the second end surface (404) includes a second opening (412) in fluid communication with the first tapered opening (408) to define a longitudinal bore (260) including a tapered region (418), the outer surface (406) including a head portion (422) adjacent the first end surface (402) and a shank portion (424) adjacent the second end surface (404), the shank portion (424) being threaded, wherein the first tapered opening (408) and the tapered portion (418) are configured to guide the hydraulic fluid to facilitate the conversion of a turbulent flow of the hydraulic fluid to a laminar flow of the hydraulic fluid. [2] The guide member (206, 208) of claim 1, wherein the head portion (422) has a first diameter that is greater than a second diameter of the shaft portion (424). [3] Guide element (206, 208) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes a first linear region (414) adjacent to the first tapered opening (408) and a second linear region (416) adjacent to the second opening (412); and the tapered region (418) is located between the first linear region (414) and the second linear region (416). [4] Guide element (206, 208) according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes a third linear region (420) located between the tapered region (418) and the second linear region (416); and a first diameter of the first linear region (414) and a second diameter of the second linear region (416) are greater than a third diameter of the third linear region (420). [5] Guide element (206, 208) for liquid, comprising: a first end surface (402), a second end surface (404) and an outer surface (406) connecting the first end surface (402) to the second end surface (406), the first end surface (402) including a first opening (408), the second end surface (404) includes a second opening (412) in fluid communication with the first opening (408) to define a longitudinal bore (260), the longitudinal bore (260) includes a frustoconical portion (418) configured to reduce the turbulence of the fluid flowing therethrough; and the outer surface (406) is at least partially provided with a thread. [6] The guide member (206, 208) of claim 6, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) is shaped and sized to reduce a flow rate of the fluid to a range of about 1.5 liters per minute to about 5 liters per minute. [7] Guide element (206, 208) according to one of claims 6-7, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes: a first cylindrical portion (416) adjacent to the second opening (412), and a second cylindrical portion (420) located between the frustoconical portion (418) and the first cylindrical portion (416), wherein the first cylindrical portion (416) has a first diameter that is greater than a second diameter of the second cylindrical portion (420). [8] Guide element (206, 208) according to claim 8, wherein the first diameter is in a first range of approximately 8 millimeters to approximately 9 millimeters; and the second diameter is in a second range of approximately 4 millimeters to approximately 5 millimeters. [9] The guide member (206, 208) of any of claims 6-9, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes a cylindrical portion (414) extending from the first opening (408) to the frustoconical portion (418).

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