Electromagnetic Hydraulic Coupling for Low-Force Quick Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high force required to manually insert male connectors into female connectors in push-fit, quick-connect hydraulic couplings on utility vehicles is uncomfortable and inefficient, especially when multiple connections are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator is used to assist the insertion of male connectors into female connectors by attracting a magnetically attractive support member, reducing the manual force needed to overcome the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking arrangement is used to secure the male connector in the female connector, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the force required for insertion increases making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical insertion force requirement with an electromagnetic actuation system. An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetically attractive material on the support member, creating a force that draws the male connector into the female connector, substituting manual mechanical force with electromagnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetically attractive material as an intermediary between the electromagnetic coil and the support member. This intermediary enables the transmission of electromagnetic force to the mechanical components, bridging the gap between the electromagnetic actuation system and the mechanical locking arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic actuator is added to assist insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the male connector, carries the magnetically attractive material for electromagnetic interaction, and acts as a mechanical interface for the locking arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnetic actuation system with the existing mechanical coupling structure. The electromagnetic coil and magnetically attractive material are integrated into the coupling assembly, combining electromagnetic and mechanical functions into a unified system rather than adding a separate actuation mechanism.
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 electromagnetic actuator simplifies the connection process by reducing the effort required to engage the couplings, making it easier and more efficient to connect hydraulic systems on utility vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil external to and associated with one connector and a support member carrying the other connector, the support member comprising a magnetically attractive material for interaction with the coil
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic coil is operative to draw the magnetically attractive material, the support member, and the other connector in the axial direction to assist in the insertion of the male connector into the female connector
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic coupling arrangement includes a push-fit, quick-connect hydraulic coupling comprising a male connector and a female connector. The male and female connectors each define a longitudinal axis, with the male connector being insertable into the female connector in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the connectors. An electromagnetic coil is located external to but associated with one connector. A support member carries the other connector and includes a magnetically attractive material for interaction with the coil. The arrangement is configured such that with male connector positioned for insertion into the female connector, activation of the coil draws the magnetically attractive material, the support member and the other connector in the axial direction to assist in inserting the male connector into the female connector.