Quick Coupler Hydraulic Circuit for Stable Attachment Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing quick coupler systems for construction machines lack stabilization of the locked state of attachments, leading to inefficiencies in fuel consumption and operation due to the hydraulic pump not being driven when the operator is not actively using the switch, resulting in unstable attachment locking.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupler circuit incorporating a coupler cylinder, actuator, first hydraulic pump, boosting valve, coupler changeover valve, and changeover switch, which allows for stable locking and unlocking of attachments by controlling the hydraulic fluid supply and pressure, ensuring the locked state is maintained even when the operator is not actively operating the switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hydraulic pump is not driven while the switch is not operated, then fuel consumption is improved, but the locked state of the attachment cannot be stabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump operates periodically based on switch operations rather than continuously. The control valve maintains hydraulic fluid pressure in the coupler cylinder during idle periods, allowing the pump to stop and reduce fuel consumption while the attachment remains securely locked through sustained pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic pump and the coupler cylinder. It receives hydraulic fluid from the pump and maintains pressure in the cylinder even when the pump is not operating, thereby decoupling the direct dependency between pump operation and locked state maintenance.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic pump is continuously driven to stabilize the locked state, then the locked state stability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous pump operation, the system uses periodic pump activation combined with pressure maintenance in the coupler cylinder. The pump operates only when needed to replenish or adjust pressure, while the control valve sustains the locked state during intermediate periods, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If hydraulic fluid pressure is maintained continuously to the coupler cylinder, then the locked state is stabilized, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve serves as a pressure maintenance intermediary, trapping hydraulic fluid in the coupler cylinder to sustain pressure without continuous pump operation. This eliminates the need for constant energy input while maintaining the locked state, thereby reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system utilizes its own stored pressure energy to maintain the locked state. Once hydraulic fluid is supplied to the coupler cylinder, the system self-maintains pressure through the control valve without requiring external energy input, achieving self-service operation.
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 solution stabilizes the locked state of attachments over a long period, improving fuel efficiency and operational reliability by maintaining hydraulic fluid supply and pressure to the coupler cylinder, enabling quick attachment and detachment while ensuring the attachment remains securely locked.
Implementation Method 1
The first hydraulic pump is configured to be connected in parallel with the coupler cylinder and the actuator, and is configured to supply the hydraulic fluid to the coupler cylinder and the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The boosting valve is configured to switch between a boosting position to raise a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the first hydraulic pump to the coupler cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler circuit for attaching and detaching an attachment to a quick coupler includes a coupler cylinder, an actuator, a first hydraulic pump, a boosting valve, a coupler changeover valve, and a changeover switch. The boosting valve switches to a boosting position and the coupler changeover valve switches to a lock-side position when the changeover switch switches to a lock position. When the changeover switch switches to a hold position, the boosting valve switches to a non-boosting position and the coupler changeover valve switches to the lock-side position. When the changeover switch switches to an unlock position, the boosting valve switches to the boosting position and the coupler changeover valve switches to an unlock-side position.