Flow Control Manifold for Reversible Hydraulic Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines face challenges in easily adapting work tools from different manufacturers due to specific hydraulic fluid flow requirements, leading to potential damage and unsafe operating conditions, and the complexity and cost of using adapter kits.
Innovation Solution
A flow control manifold system with check valves and directional control valves that automatically adjusts fluid flow between the work machine and tool, ensuring proper fluid supply and return regardless of connection configuration, allowing for flexible attachment of various work tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If work tools are connected to work machines with specific hydraulic fluid flow requirements, then proper operation is ensured, but adaptability to different manufacturers' machines is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control manifold is designed with multiple fluid passages and check valves that enable it to adapt to different hydraulic connection configurations (reversed or non-reversed) automatically, making a single tool compatible with multiple machine types without requiring configuration-specific adapters
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapter kits are used to adapt work tools to different machine configurations, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control manifold contains internal check valves and directional control valves that automatically detect and adapt to the connection configuration (reversed or non-reversed) without requiring external adapters or manual configuration, making the system self-adapting and eliminating the need for separate adapter kits
3Adaptability or versatility
If work tools are improperly connected to work machines, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage and unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control manifold acts as an intermediary device between the work machine's hydraulic system and the work tool, automatically correcting any reverse connection issues through its internal check valves and directional control valves, thereby preventing damage to the tool or unsafe operating conditions while maintaining ease of connection
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connections and inputs/returns are provided on work tools, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring proper connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control manifold automatically detects the connection configuration through its internal check valves and directional control valves, which self-adjust based on fluid flow direction and pressure, eliminating the need for manual identification of correct connections by the operator
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 system ensures safe and efficient operation of work tools by automatically adjusting fluid flow, reducing the risk of damage and operational complexity, and enabling flexible use of multiple work tools with different hydraulic configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The first passage includes a first check valve that opens in the direction of the input
Implementation Method 2
a directional control valve that opens to permit fluid to flow through the third passage in response to the presence of the pressurized fluid in the third passage
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control manifold that routes pressurized fluid from one of a first fluid manifold connection and a second fluid manifold connection of the flow control manifold to an input of a work tool and directs return fluid from an outlet of the work tool to the other of the first and second fluid manifold connections not receiving pressurized fluid.