Concrete Pump Hydraulic Switching Assembly for Leak-Free Mode Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching devices for concrete pumps require complex and time-consuming reassembly of pressure hoses, leading to potential hydraulic oil leaks and contamination, especially when switching between rod-side and bottom-side operations, which is cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a distribution unit that can be reversibly moved between two positions, allowing fluid flow redirection without reassembling or moving connection components, using releasable fastening means and sealing surfaces to maintain fluid tightness, enabling quick switching between rod-side and bottom-side operations without additional assembly effort or specialized personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure hoses are removed and reinstalled at different locations to switch between rod-side and bottom-side operation, then operating mode conversion is achieved, but assembly time increases and risk of hydraulic oil leakage and contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode conversionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device is divided into separate connection components (first connection component for pump, second connection component for drive cylinder) with a distribution unit in between. This segmentation allows the distribution unit to be independently switched while connection components remain stationary, eliminating time-consuming reassembly of pressure hoses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution unit acts as an intermediary between the pump and drive cylinder, providing multiple fluid guide pairs that can be selectively connected. This intermediary mechanism enables operating mode conversion without moving the main connection components, reducing assembly time and leakage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pressure hoses are removed and reinstalled to switch operation modes, then flexibility is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential hydraulic oil leakage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode switchingVSAvoidhydraulic system integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection components are pre-configured with multiple fluid guide pairs and connection points. The distribution unit is pre-positioned to connect to these guides, allowing mode switching through simple distribution unit repositioning rather than complete disassembly and reassembly, thereby maintaining system integrity and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution unit serves as a sealed intermediary that maintains hydraulic system integrity during mode switching. By keeping connection components stationary and only moving the distribution unit within the sealed assembly, the risk of hydraulic oil leakage and contamination is minimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex reassembly procedures are used for mode switching, then operating mode conversion is possible, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidswitching operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching function is segmented into a dedicated distribution unit that can be independently operated. This separates the switching operation from the main connection assembly, allowing simple mode conversion without complex reassembly procedures involving multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution unit provides a simplified intermediary mechanism for mode switching. By concentrating the switching function in this single component with multiple fluid guide pairs, the operation becomes straightforward compared to complex reassembly of entire hose assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4007856B1Switching device for a concrete pump
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 PUTZMEISTER ENG GMBH
  • EP4007856B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4007856B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4007856B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a switching device (100, 200) for switching a hydraulic flow of a concrete pump, with a first connection component (110, 210) for connecting to a hydraulic pump (40), a second connection component (120, 220) for connecting to a drive cylinder (20, 30), and a distribution unit (130, 230) arranged between the first and second connection component (110, 210, 120, 220), wherein the first connection component (110, 210) has two fluid guides (111a, 111b, 211a, 211b) and the second connection component (120, 220) has a first fluid guide pair (121a, 121b, 221a, 221b) and a second fluid guide pair (123a, 123b, 223a, 223b), and wherein the distribution unit (130, 230) can be reversibly switched between a first position, in which the fluid guides (111a, 111b, 211a, 211b) of the first connection component (110, 210) are fluidically connected to the first fluid guide pair (121a, 121b, 221a, 221b) of the second connection component (120, 220), and a second position, in which the fluid guides (111a, 111b, 211a, 211b) of the first connection component (110, 210) are fluidically connected to the second fluid guide pair (123a, 123b, 223a, 223b) of the second connection component (120, 220).