Electromagnetic Latch Device for Hydraulic Valve Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic latch devices for agricultural vehicles require activation and deactivation based solely on hydraulic energy, limiting flexibility and accessibility, as the adjusting agent for selecting latch modes is typically located on the latch device and not near the actuation lever, making it difficult to operate effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic latch device with a magnetizable ring beam arrangement and solenoid arrangement allows for activation and deactivation based on sensor-determinable criteria, enabling the adjusting agent to be placed in the driver's cabin near the actuation lever, and using an adjusting spring to ensure the valve slide returns to a neutral position when not actuated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the adjusting agent is placed directly on the latch device, then the latch device can be controlled, but the operator accessibility is limited and positioning possibilities are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidpositioning possibilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is moved from the spatial dimension of the latch device to the temporal dimension of electrical signals. The adjusting agent transmits control commands electrically rather than mechanically, allowing the operator to control the latch device from a distant location (driver's cabin) without physical proximity constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

An electrical signal serves as an intermediary between the adjusting agent and the latch device. This intermediary enables control transmission over distance without requiring direct mechanical connection or physical proximity between the operator and the latch device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the latch device is operated hydraulically, then it can be integrated with the hydraulic valve, but activation and deactivation can only occur based on hydraulic energy provisioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation criteriaVSAvoidhydraulic energy dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic actuation system is replaced with an electromagnetic actuation system. The solenoid arrangement converts electrical energy directly into mechanical motion to actuate the latch shaft, eliminating the need for hydraulic energy while maintaining integration with the hydraulic valve's control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The energy parameter for latch device operation is changed from hydraulic pressure to electrical current. This parameter change enables the latch device to respond to a broader range of control signals and sensing inputs that can be translated into electrical commands, rather than being constrained by hydraulic energy availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If an electromagnetic latch device is used, then activation can be based on sensor-determinable criteria, but the device requires both electrical and magnetic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor-determinable criteriaVSAvoidelectromagnetic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid arrangement serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for moving the latch shaft and the interface for electrical control signals. The magnetizable ring beam arrangement provides both the magnetic coupling mechanism and the positioning element, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides flexible latch mode activation and deactivation independent of hydraulic energy, improving operational accessibility and reducing the need for direct placement of adjusting agents on the latch device, enhancing the usability and efficiency of hydraulic valve operations.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical solenoid arrangement, which is located on the housing, around the ring beam arrangement, wherein by supplying the solenoid arrangement with current, a positioning force can be produced on the ring beam arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

at least one magnetizable ring beam arrangement, which is supported on the latch shaft, and an electrical solenoid arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9803771B2Latch device

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A latch device (12) for a hydraulic valve (10) is proposed. The latch device (12) comprises a housing (22) and a latch shaft (26), which is supported such that it can move in the housing (22). In order to create a latch device (12), independent of the hydraulic provisioning, the provision of at least one magnetizable ring beam arrangement (38), which is supported on the latch shaft (26), and an electric solenoid arrangement (40), located on the housing (22) around the ring beam arrangement (38) is also proposed, wherein by the supply of current to the solenoid arrangement (40), a positioning force can be produced on the ring beam arrangement (38). Furthermore, a hydraulic valve (10) with the corresponding latch device (12) and a hydraulic arrangement (92) for such a valve (10) are also proposed.