Adapter Valve Unit for Reliable Hydraulic Coupling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic coupling between different systems of combine harvesters and cutterbars from different manufacturers is challenging, leading to malfunctions and the inability to control functions independently, especially when directional control valves are electromagnetically or electrohydraulically actuated.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pressure medium supply system with an adapter valve unit that connects the central hydraulic system of a working vehicle to the working hydraulic system of an attachment or implement, using a 3/2-way valve for single-acting functions and a 4/3-way valve for double-acting functions, ensuring consistent pump pressure and tank connection, and optionally including check valves to prevent pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If directional control valves are arranged on the combine harvester for controlling cutting unit functions, then control functions can be implemented, but hydraulic coupling problems occur when combining systems from different manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter valve unit as an intermediary component between the combine harvester's central hydraulic system and the cutterbar's working hydraulic system. This adapter contains directional control valves that mediate the hydraulic connection, allowing different manufacturer systems to be compatible while maintaining reliable pressure medium supply and return flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system is segmented into separate functional components: the central hydraulic system on the combine harvester, the adapter valve unit with its own directional control valves, and the working hydraulic system on the cutterbar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates interchangeable coupling between different manufacturers' systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three pressure medium connections are provided for single-acting and double-acting functions, then control flexibility is improved, but malfunctions occur due to faulty connections between working hydraulics and central hydraulics
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter valve unit serves as a mediator that standardizes the connection between the three-pressure-connection central hydraulic system and the two-pressure-connection working hydraulic system. It internally manages the routing of pressure medium through its directional control valves, ensuring that single-acting and double-acting functions receive correct pressure supply and return paths without direct connection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the three-pressure-connection interface of the central hydraulics into a standardized two-pressure-connection interface for the working hydraulics through the adapter. This parameter transformation (from three connections to two connections) maintains control flexibility while eliminating connection errors by providing a unified interface standard.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cutting unit functions are controlled by switching logic of the combine harvester, then system integration is achieved, but independent control of functions is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented so that the adapter valve unit contains its own directional control valves that can be independently actuated. This allows individual cutting unit functions to be controlled independently through the adapter's valves, while the adapter itself remains integrated into the combine harvester's hydraulic system, providing both independence and integration simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic pressure medium supply for an attachment or implement that can be coupled to an agricultural or construction work vehicle comprises a hydraulic coupling device (48a, 51a) for the working hydraulics (49) of the attachment or implement, connecting a pump pressure line (51) and a tank pressure line (48), which are connected to control valves (54 and 55) for controlling functions of the attachment or implement. A hydraulic pressure medium supply for the working hydraulics is to be provided, enabling the working hydraulics, which are equipped with their own hydraulic control system, to be supplied from a central hydraulic system of the work vehicle.The central hydraulic system (12) of the work vehicle shall have control valves (29 and 32) for controlling a first hydraulic connection (17) intended for single-acting actuator functions and two parallel-operated second and third hydraulic connections (18 and 19) intended for double-acting actuator functions, which are provided for hydraulic connection with the working hydraulic system (49). Within this hydraulic connection, an adapter valve unit (16, 58) is arranged, which always transmits pressure from the first hydraulic connection (17) and each of the two second and third hydraulic connections (18, 19) to the pump pressure line (51), with one of the two second and third hydraulic connections (18 or 19), which is in the unpressurized state, being connected to the tank pressure line (48).