Hydraulic Accumulator Connection with Two-Step Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure hydraulic systems in agricultural vehicles pose safety risks during maintenance due to the potential 'blow-out' of pressurized components like accumulators and oil filters, which can cause injuries, and existing solutions like pressure monitoring and automatic shut-down are costly and not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A 'two-step' disconnection arrangement is implemented in the pressurized fluid supply system, where a discharge duct automatically vents fluid pressure before the detachable accumulator is mechanically disconnected, ensuring safety without complex monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure monitoring and automatic shut-down systems are implemented, then safety during maintenance is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct provides a preliminary pressure relief path that activates automatically when the detachable component begins to be removed. This preliminary action vents accumulated pressure before the maintenance worker fully disconnects the component, eliminating the need for complex electronic monitoring and shut-down systems while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (accumulated pressure) is extracted from the system through the discharge duct that leads to the discharge receptacle. By providing a dedicated pressure relief path separate from the main fluid duct, the system removes the dangerous pressure buildup that would otherwise require complex monitoring systems to manage safely.
2Reliability
If a discharge duct and discharge receptacle are added, then safety during disassembly is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct is integrated into the existing body structure, and the discharge receptacle is combined with the connection socket. This merging of functions allows the pressure relief system to be implemented without adding separate, complex components, thereby improving safety while minimizing increases in device complexity and installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection socket serves dual functions: it provides the mechanical connection for the detachable component and simultaneously serves as the discharge receptacle for pressure relief. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate discharge components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety during disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If the detachable component is fully disconnected before pressure is released, then ease of maintenance is improved, but safety is worsened due to potential blow-out
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge duct enables preliminary pressure release as soon as the detachable component begins to be removed from the socket. This preliminary action occurs automatically during the disconnection process itself, allowing the component to be fully disconnected safely after pressure has been vented, thereby maintaining ease of maintenance while eliminating blow-out risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge duct acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the connected and disconnected states. It provides a controlled pressure relief path that activates during the transition phase of disconnection, allowing the component to move from connected to fully disconnected state safely without sudden pressure release or blow-out.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly system for components of a pressurized fluid supply system for an agricultural vehicle, comprises a body (500) having at least one fluid duct (520, 520') connectable at one end to a pressurized fluid supply and having a socket (510, 510') at the other end. A detachable component (600, 600') such as an accumulator or oil filter is connectable in releasable mechanical engagement with the body (500) to receive pressurized fluid from the at least one fluid duct, the engagement resulting from insertion of at least a portion of the component into the socket and rotation of the same to a locked position. The body (500) is provided with at least one discharge duct (530, 540) extending therethrough, wherein in a partially rotated position of the component portion within the socket (510, 510') the component remains mechanically attached to the body (500) and the fluid duct (520, 520') and discharge duct (530, 540) are in fluidic connection, discharging accumulated pressure in the fluid duct (520, 520').