Compact Hydraulic Fitting Assembly for Serviceable Robot Hose Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic fittings for robotic systems are not compact enough to fit within restricted spaces, can be hazardous due to external couplings, and are often not serviceable, requiring replacement if they fail.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic assembly comprising a ferrule and an annular gasket threaded onto a hydraulic hose, with the ferrule crimped onto the hose to form a seal, allowing the hose to be securely connected to a hydraulic component within a robotic system, providing a compact and serviceable solution for hydraulic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional hydraulic fittings are used for robotic systems, then reliable hydraulic connections are achieved, but the fittings are not compact enough to fit within restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic hose is inserted through the ferrule and secured by crimping the ferrule onto the hose, creating a nested configuration where the ferrule encloses the hose end. This nested structure reduces the overall volume of the fitting while maintaining secure mechanical and hydraulic connections, allowing it to fit within restricted robotic spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support, secures the hose through crimping, and creates hydraulic sealing when combined with the gasket. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate coupling components, reducing overall fitting size while maintaining connection reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional hydraulic fittings with external couplings are used, then hydraulic connections are established, but hazards arise from external couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous external coupling elements are removed from the design. Instead of using separate external couplings that protrude and create safety risks, the ferrule is crimped directly onto the hose in a compact configuration that eliminates exposed coupling components, thereby removing the safety hazard while simplifying the overall structure.
3Ease of repair
If conventional hydraulic fittings are used, then hydraulic connections are formed, but they are not serviceable and require replacement if they fail
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed as a segmented assembly with distinct components: the ferrule, the gasket, and the hose. The gasket is positioned between the ferrule and the hose end, allowing it to be independently replaced if degraded or damaged. This segmentation enables serviceability without requiring replacement of the entire fitting assembly, while the modular nature keeps individual component complexity low.
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 hydraulic assembly enables compact, reliable, and serviceable hydraulic connections within robotic systems, reducing the risk of external hazards and facilitating easier maintenance by allowing internal routing of hydraulic hoses, thus enhancing the robot's operational capabilities in restricted spaces.
Implementation Method 1
crimping the ferrule to the end section of the hydraulic hose
Implementation Method 2
forming a seal between the body and the hydraulic hose by compression
Data Source
AI summary
In an implementation, a method of forming a hydraulic connection between a hydraulic component and a hydraulic hose includes threading a ferrule onto an end section of the hydraulic hose, crimping the ferrule to the hydraulic hose, and threading an annular gasket onto the hydraulic hose between the ferrule and an open end of the end section of the hydraulic hose. The method may include securing the hydraulic hose to a body of the hydraulic component by forming a seal between the body and the hydraulic hose by compression. Threading the ferrule onto the hydraulic hose may include threading an annular ferrule having a profile of a first truncated cone with a first half-aperture, and urging the ferrule towards an interface in the body of the hydraulic component, the interface having a profile of a second truncated cone with a second half-aperture different from the first half-aperture.