Automatic Hydraulic Coupling for Interchangeable Truck Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual connection and disconnection of hydraulic circuits on trucks with interchangeable bodies are cumbersome due to high back-pressures, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating, and interfere with other truck devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a plate housing orthogonal quick-release couplings and centering means on both the truck and interchangeable body, utilizing shock absorbers and adjustable stroke restrictors for automatic connection and disconnection via horizontal translational motion, ensuring efficient hydraulic power transfer without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling is used for connecting hydraulic circuits, then the connection can be made with simple equipment, but the operation becomes cumbersome due to high back-pressures and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic coupling and decoupling of hydraulic circuits without manual intervention. The control unit automatically actuates the quick-release couplings when the body is mounted or demounted, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring operator action despite high back-pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling operation is prepared in advance by the control system that detects when a body is being mounted or demounted and pre-positions the quick-release couplings for automatic engagement or disengagement, eliminating the time-consuming manual operation during the actual coupling moment
2Ease of operation
If reduced section couplings are used to ease manual coupling, then the coupling operation becomes easier, but pressure losses increase causing overheating and reduced system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic coupling system eliminates the need for reduced section couplings by performing the coupling operation automatically. Full-bore quick-release couplings can be used without compromising ease of operation, as the automatic actuation overcomes the high back-pressures that would otherwise require smaller coupling sections
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from manual to automatic actuation, which fundamentally alters how the coupling handles high back-pressures. This allows the use of full-bore couplings that maintain proper hydraulic flow characteristics and prevent pressure losses and overheating
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hydraulic lines are used for connection, then the hydraulic circuit can be connected, but the lines may interfere with other devices installed on the truck
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hydraulic lines are extracted and replaced with rigid hydraulic conduits integrated into the truck chassis and body mounting structures. The quick-release couplings are mounted on plates that are part of the structural assembly, eliminating the need for flexible lines that could interfere with other truck devices
4Productivity
If automatic connection apparatus is implemented, then coupling efficiency improves and pressure losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it detects body mounting/demounting operations, actuates multiple quick-release couplings simultaneously, and manages the hydraulic circuit connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a truck (1) for transport of interchangeable bodies (2), which comprises a chassis (12) and a plurality of quick - release couplings (3a,4a,5a) for connection to hydraulic power consuming units of interchangeable bodies (2), characterized in that it includes a first plate (6), which is joined to the truck chassis (12). This first plate (6) holds a first plurality of quick - release couplings (3a,4a,5a) and first centering means (7,8,9). The present invention further relates to an interchangeable truck body (2) having hydraulic power consuming units and comprising a plurality of quick - release hydraulic couplings (3b,4b,5b) for connection with the hydraulic power circuit of a truck, characterized in that it includes a plate (51) attached to the body frame, which holds quick - release couplings (3b,4b,5b) and centering means (52,53,54).