Auto Attachment Coupler Abductor Valve Hydraulic System
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems for work vehicles require multiple hydraulic lines, components, and valves to perform secondary functions, which are costly, inefficient, and often require the vehicle to be powered on, with safety concerns when decoupling implements.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cylinder system that uses a master cylinder under pressure to power a single or dual acting cylinder for secondary functions, allowing simultaneous operation without additional hydraulic lines or valves, and incorporating safety features like one-way valves and flag indicators to prevent accidental decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic systems use multiple hydraulic lines, components, and valves to perform secondary functions, then the system can achieve additional functions, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The main hydraulic cylinder is designed to perform both primary lifting functions and secondary coupling functions. By taking hydraulic fluid from the main cylinder to power the coupling cylinder, the system eliminates the need for separate hydraulic lines and valves for secondary functions, achieving multi-functionality without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the primary lifting function and secondary coupling function into a single integrated hydraulic system. The coupling cylinder is powered by taking fluid from the main lifting cylinder rather than requiring a separate hydraulic circuit, merging multiple functions into one unified system that reduces overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic systems require the vehicle to be powered on to perform secondary functions, then the pump can provide pressurized fluid, but the vehicle cannot perform secondary functions when powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores hydraulic fluid under pressure in the main lifting cylinder during normal lifting operations. This pre-stored pressurized fluid can then be used to power the coupling cylinder for secondary functions even when the vehicle engine is off, allowing operations without requiring the pump to be running
Solution Approach 2:
The main hydraulic cylinder serves itself by providing pressurized fluid to power the coupling cylinder. The system uses its own stored hydraulic energy rather than requiring an external power source, enabling secondary functions to be performed using the system's own resources
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use diverter valves for additional functions, then hydraulic fluid can be redirected, but only a single function can be completed at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a T-fitting as an intermediary component to split hydraulic fluid flow from the main cylinder to multiple destinations simultaneously. This allows the main lifting function and secondary coupling function to operate at the same time without requiring sequential switching via diverter valves, eliminating the single-function limitation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces costs and complexity, enables secondary functions without powering the vehicle, and enhances safety by ensuring implements remain secured during elevated positions.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid abductor valve selectively allows hydraulic fluid to flow from a first conduit carrying hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid provider to a second conduit
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic fluid to flow from a first conduit carrying hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid provider to a second conduit
Implementation Method 3
the first chamber of the coupler cylinder will also be pressurized. A second conduit transmits hydraulic fluid to negatively actuate the lift cylinder and to negatively actuate the coupler cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system is disclosed that utilizes a switching block to selectively allow pressurized fluid to be stolen from a master or lift cylinder and directed to a single acting cylinder to perform a function, such as securing an implement to a vehicle. The system utilizes the highly pressurized hydraulic fluid from an extended lift cylinder to maintain a secondary cylinder in an extended position. To withdraw the secondary cylinder, a one-way valve directs fluid to the opposite chamber of the secondary cylinder. The secondary cylinder, however will only retract if the master cylinder is retracted and not under pressure, thus providing a significant safety benefit in certain applications. This system provides many cost efficiencies and may be utilized by work vehicles to perform secondary functions such as attaching and removing an implement from a vehicle such as, for example, a loader from a tractor.