Hydraulic Connector Intersecting Pivot Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic conduit failure due to stress and exposure in rotator link assemblies of logging equipment, leading to reduced production and increased operational costs, as existing solutions fail to provide durable connectors that protect conduits from movement and external damage.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic assembly with a rotator pivotally attached to a link via a first pivot connection, featuring a connector that intersects the pivot axis, allowing the hydraulic conduit to pass between pins, and a crane connector that intersects the second pivot axis, minimizing conduit damage and enabling flexible routing within the assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If hydraulic conduits are routed through a rotator link assembly with pivot connections, then the hydraulic components can be driven effectively, but the conduits are subjected to stress and movement that causes damage and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic drive effectivenessVSAvoidconduit durability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic conduit system is segmented into multiple sections with flexible joints and connectors that can accommodate movement independently. The conduit passes between pivot pins rather than being rigidly attached, allowing each segment to move with the mechanism while maintaining hydraulic integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible hydraulic conduits that can bend and flex without kinking or collapsing. These flexible conduits are routed through the rotator link assembly in a way that allows them to accommodate the range of motion of the pivot connections without experiencing excessive stress or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the crane and rotator move to access surrounding objects, then operational versatility is improved, but the hydraulic conduits are exposed to damage from external objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational rangeVSAvoidconduit exposure to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic conduits are nested within or protected by the structural framework of the rotator link assembly. The conduits are routed through the existing structural components rather than being exposed on the exterior, providing physical protection while allowing the crane and rotator to move freely for operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional hydraulic conduit connectors are used, then installation is straightforward, but the connectors fail under the stress of movement and pivot connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector installationVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to accommodate movement and stress. Rather than rigid fixed connectors, the system uses connectors with flexible couplings or floating mounting that can adjust to the dynamic loads generated by the moving pivot connections, maintaining both ease of installation and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2824059B1Hydraulic assembly and logging equipment using same

Publication Date: 2021.03.03 TIGERCAT IND

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Figure 2B

AI summary

A hydraulic assembly including a pivot connection (120, 124) defining a pivot axis (122, 126), a hydraulic element linked to the pivot connection, and a connector (148, 168) for connecting a hydraulic conduit (136, 137) to the hydraulic element. The connector defines a connection axis (170, 171) and the connector is configured such that the connection axis approximately intersects the pivot axis. The hydraulic assembly may be used in various applications, including in forestry equipment, for example, with a rotator (118) link (116) assembly.