Electro-Actuated Hydraulic Coupling Assembly for Remote Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic connection assemblies for agricultural applications require manual operation of a lever to disconnect male couplers from female cartridges, which is cumbersome, especially when the manifold is difficult to reach and subject to dirt accumulation, and requires physical effort due to high residual pressure.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic connection assembly with electro-actuated actuators and a rocker lever system that allows for remote operation of cartridges, reducing the need for manual lever actuation and facilitating easier connection and disconnection of male couplers, incorporating features like RFID recognition for automated coupling and disconnection processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection procedures are used for hydraulic cartridges, then installation simplicity is maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated electro-hydraulic system. Electrically actuated cartridges with solenoid valves automatically control hydraulic fluid flow to actuate connection mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual lever operations and significantly reducing installation time while managing complexity through standardized automated components
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic connection system is designed to perform connection operations autonomously once initiated. The electro-hydraulic cartridges automatically sequence the connection process through programmed valve actuation, allowing the system to service itself without continuous manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while containing complexity within the automated subsystem
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional hydraulic connection methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but precision and consistency of connection quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical connection operations are replaced with electro-hydraulic actuation systems that provide precise control over connection forces and sequences. The automated cartridges ensure consistent application of connection parameters across all operations, improving quality consistency while introducing controlled complexity through standardized hydraulic components
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables precise control and standardization of connection parameters such as actuation force, speed, and sequence timing through electro-hydraulic regulation. By maintaining consistent parameter application across all connections, the system achieves uniform connection quality while the complexity is managed through programmable control logic
3Productivity
If complex manual procedures are avoided, then ease of operation is maintained, but installation time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple manual operations are merged into a single automated cartridge actuation sequence. The electro-hydraulic system combines several connection steps that would otherwise require separate manual interventions into one coordinated automated process, improving throughput while presenting a simplified single-initiation interface to the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation and sequencing of connection operations automatically before manual intervention is needed. By pre-programming the connection sequence and preparing hydraulic actuation in advance, the system reduces the skill level required during actual operation while maintaining high productivity through efficient automated execution
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
Enhances operator comfort and efficiency by allowing remote operation of the hydraulic connection, reducing physical effort and improving ergonomics, while maintaining reliable connection and disconnection of hydraulic lines with reduced manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge may be actuated by a solenoid valve, for example
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic connection assembly for the connection of hydraulic lines of pressurized fluids which is characterized in that it comprises electro- actuated cartridges. More specifically, the hydraulic assembly according to the present invention comprises a manifold (1) which houses, in corresponding seats, a plurality of female cartridges (2,3), and further comprises actuation means (4) of the cartridges configured for selectively decompressing the hydraulic lines (20,30) and connecting/disconnecting said cartridges (2,3) to/from corresponding male couplers provided on the utilizer apparatus to be hydraulically connected to said assembly (10). It is characterized in that it comprises electro -actuated actuators (11) for actuating said actuation means (4) of the cartridges for decompressing the hydraulic lines (20,30) and for connecting/disconnecting said cartridges (2,3). The electro-actuated actuators (11) can comprise an actuator controlled by an electromechanical system or by an electronic control system. The possible use of an electronic control system allows additional control and interface systems to be integrated, such as, for example, proximity sensors and RFID recognition systems, to recognize the approach of the rapid coupling counterpart, and univocally define the identity of the coupling and the equipment to which it is connected.