Double-Slide Shut-Off Coupling for Leak-Free Hydraulic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shut-off devices in hydraulic systems, such as those described in DE 19 00 836 U1, require fluid drainage to disconnect line sections, leading to potential leaks during separation.

Innovation Solution

A shut-off device with a double slide arrangement between the coupling flange and distributor block, allowing for leak-free separation of line sections by moving the slides from an open to a closed position without draining the fluid, using a cylindrical pin for positive connection and guide recesses for secure fastening and actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional shut-off device is used to interrupt fluid flow, then the flow can be stopped, but the line sections cannot be separated without draining the fluid and risking leaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-free separationVSAvoidseparation operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shut-off function is segmented into two independent slides: a first slide for closing the coupling flange and a second slide for closing the distribution block. This segmentation allows each slide to independently seal its respective component, enabling reliable separation without fluid drainage while maintaining operational simplicity through modular action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The double slide arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the coupling flange and distribution block. By introducing these intermediate closing elements, the system achieves reliable sealing during separation without requiring complete system drainage, thus preventing leaks while facilitating easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the shut-off device uses a double slide arrangement with positive connection, then leak-free separation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-free connectionVSAvoidslide arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two slides are merged into a single double slide arrangement that operates together through positive connection via cylindrical pins. This merging approach integrates the closing actions for both coupling flange and distribution block into one coordinated mechanism, achieving reliable leak-free separation while managing complexity through unified operation rather than separate independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The double slide arrangement incorporates dynamic elements including cylindrical pins for positive connection and guide recesses for controlled movement. These dynamic features enable the slides to transition smoothly between open and closed positions while maintaining reliable sealing, balancing the increased structural complexity with improved functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the slides are designed with guide recesses and fastening means, then secure fastening and controlled movement are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled movementVSAvoidslide component fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The slide components are segmented into functional zones with distinct guide recesses and fastening means. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through modular component design that can be fabricated using standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3623672B1Shut-off device
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3623672B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shut-off device (12) arranged in a coupling area between a first line section (10) and a second line section (11) of at least one line (9), in particular of a hydraulic system, wherein the shut-off device (12) has a flow-through position in which the two line sections (10, 11) are fluidly connected, and a closed position in which the flow is interrupted, wherein the first line section (10) has a coupling flange (13) in the coupling area which can be connected to a distributor block (14) of the shut-off device (12) to which the second line section (11) is connected, wherein a first slide valve (15) is associated with the coupling flange (13) and a second slide valve (16) is associated with the distributor block (14), wherein the two slide valves (15,16) form a double slide arrangement wherein the shut-off device (12) can be moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa by moving the double slide arrangement.