Electromagnetic Hydraulic Couplings for Low-Force Quick Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push-fit, quick-connect hydraulic couplings require high force for insertion due to mechanical locking arrangements, making it difficult for users to connect multiple couplings between utility vehicles and implements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an electromagnetic actuator with a magnetically attractive component and coil to assist in the insertion of male connectors into female connectors, reducing the manual force required by overcoming the bias force of the locking arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking arrangement is used in push-fit hydraulic couplings, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the insertion force required becomes uncomfortably high
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 actuates a plunger or piston, which in turn drives the male connector into the female connector. This substitutes direct manual mechanical force with an electromagnetic-mechanical actuation sequence, reducing the discomfort of high insertion force while maintaining the reliability of 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 electromagnetic actuation system is positioned externally to the coupling connectors themselves, with the coil mounted on the female connector housing and the magnetically attractive component on the male connector. This external placement extracts the complex electromagnetic components from the critical coupling interface, allowing the connectors to remain simple and maintain their primary function while gaining assisted insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetically attractive component (such as a ferromagnetic plate or projectile) as an intermediary between the electromagnetic coil and the male connector. This intermediary is attracted by the coil's magnetic field, converting electromagnetic energy into mechanical motion that drives the connector insertion. This intermediary simplifies the direct coupling between electromagnetic and mechanical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplings are engaged for hydraulic connection, then the functionality is improved, but the cumulative insertion force becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
For multiple couplings, the electromagnetic actuation system allows each coupling to be actuated independently through electrical signals. Instead of requiring cumulative manual force for multiple connectors, the system uses electrical power to drive each insertion sequence, making the effort required independent of the number of couplings engaged. This maintains hydraulic connection versatility while eliminating the cumulative force problem.
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 less strenuous connection of hydraulic couplings by using electromagnetic assistance during insertion, with the mechanical locking arrangement maintaining engagement once activated, thus reducing user effort and maintaining standard coupling compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil external to but associated with one connector and a support member carrying the other connector, the support member comprising a magnetically attractive component for interaction with the coil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A hydraulic coupling arrangement (10) includes a push-fit, quick-connect hydraulic coupling (11, 12) comprising a male connector (11b, 12b) and a female connector (11a, 12a). 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 (20) is located external to but associated with one connector (11a, 12a). A support member (18) carries the other connector (11b, 12b) and includes a magnetically attractive component (19) for interaction with the coil (20). The arrangement is configured such that with male connector positioned for insertion into the female connector, activation of the coil draws the magnetically attractive component, the support member, and the other connector in the axial direction to assist in inserting the male connector into the female connector.