Electrically Actuated Hydraulic Valves for Quick Attachment Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controlling hydraulic cylinders on skid steer and multi-terrain loader attachments is challenging due to diverse attachment designs, requiring adjustments in hydraulic valve actuation for varying movement rates, which complicates rapid attachment changes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of electrically actuated hydraulic valves on the attachment, responsive to electrical control signals, allows for precise control of hydraulic fluid application to the cylinders, decoupling the control system from the vehicle, enabling attachment-specific calibration and quick connection/disconnection of hydraulic and electrical lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic valves are controlled manually by the operator for diverse attachments, then the system can accommodate various attachment types, but the control complexity increases and attachment changing becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical valve control with an automated electrical control system. Each attachment has its own electrical control circuit that automatically actuates the appropriate hydraulic valves when the attachment is connected, eliminating the need for manual valve adjustment and simplifying operator interaction while maintaining compatibility with diverse attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment-specific electrical control circuits are self-contained and automatically activate the correct hydraulic functions when the attachment is connected to the vehicle. The system serves itself by detecting the attached tool and autonomously configuring the hydraulic control without requiring operator intervention, thus improving both versatility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If hydraulic valve actuation is adjusted for each attachment type, then optimal performance is achieved, but the time required for attachment changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational performanceVSAvoidattachment change time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures separate electrical control circuits for each attachment type within the attachment itself. When an attachment is connected, the pre-configured circuit automatically activates the correct hydraulic valves without requiring operator adjustment, thus achieving optimal performance while minimizing attachment change time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into attachment-specific electrical control circuits that are independent and self-contained. Each circuit is designed specifically for its corresponding attachment type, allowing rapid swapping of attachments without affecting other control circuits, thereby reducing attachment change time while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If manual control of hydraulic valves is used, then the system is simpler, but the precision of hydraulic cylinder control decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcylinder movement control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual mechanical valve control with electrically actuated hydraulic valves controlled by attachment-specific electrical circuits. This substitution provides precise control of hydraulic cylinder movement while keeping the overall system relatively simple through the use of dedicated control circuits for each attachment type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates easier and faster attachment changes by allowing specific hydraulic and electrical control matching to each attachment's performance characteristics, improving operational efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

electrically actuated hydraulic valves on the attachment, connected to the hydraulic fluid lines and responsive to the one or more valve control signals, for controlling the application of hydraulic fluid to the one or more attachment hydraulic cylinders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS8160785B2Vehicle and vehicle attachment

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD

AI summary

A vehicle and work attachment for the vehicle are disclosed in which the vehicle is of the type having a vehicle body, forward extending support arms, a motor-driven hydraulic fluid pump, hydraulic lines for carrying hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and hydraulic cylinders for moving the arms with respect to the body. Controls may be provided for controlling the valves that control supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. These hydraulic valves may be mounted on the work attachment. Additionally, the work attachment may include hydraulic cylinders that are controlled by a control on the vehicle via valves mounted on the attachment. Processing circuitry on the attachment conditions the valve control signals. The attachment may also carry valves that control the supply of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders on the attachment for effecting movement of attachment elements. Quick connect hydraulic couplings facilitate changing attachments.