Hydraulic Coupler Sequence Valve for Secure Implement Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implement coupler assemblies for machines like backhoes and excavators lack efficient mechanisms for securely locking and unlocking different implements, leading to potential misalignment and reduced versatility during operation.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a coupler hydraulic actuator and sequence valve that controls fluid flow to lock and unlock the implement coupler assembly, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement by maintaining predetermined pressure thresholds, preventing unintended disengagement and facilitating quick implement changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to lock the hooks in place, then the implement coupling security is improved, but the risk of unintended disengagement due to pressure fluctuations remains
Solution Approach 1:
A sequence valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic system and the locking mechanism. The sequence valve controls the timing of hydraulic fluid delivery to the coupling cylinder, ensuring that locking occurs only after proper implement positioning. This mediator prevents premature or unintended disengagement while maintaining secure coupling when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the implement using the positioning cylinder before engaging the locking mechanism. The sequence valve ensures that the coupling cylinder only receives hydraulic fluid after the implement is properly positioned, preventing unintended disengagement by establishing the correct sequence of operations.
2Speed
If the implement is not positioned correctly before decoupling, then the decoupling speed is improved, but the implement may move in unexpected manner after decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary positioning of the implement in the retracted position before the decoupling sequence can complete. The sequence valve prevents hydraulic fluid from reaching the coupling cylinder until the positioning cylinder has properly positioned the implement, ensuring safety while maintaining efficient decoupling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system dynamically controls fluid flow based on the implement position. The sequence valve responds to the real-time position of the implement, allowing or blocking hydraulic fluid flow to the coupling cylinder accordingly. This dynamic control ensures the implement is properly positioned before decoupling while enabling quick release when conditions are met.
3Device complexity
If the hydraulic pressure is not regulated, then the system simplicity is improved, but the coupling mechanism may be damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve serves as a pressure-regulating intermediary in the hydraulic system. It naturally limits pressure to the coupling cylinder by controlling the timing and sequence of fluid delivery, preventing excessive pressure damage while maintaining system simplicity through the use of standard hydraulic components.
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 hydraulic system ensures secure locking and unlocking of implements, enhancing machine versatility and operational safety by maintaining proper pressure and preventing unexpected disengagement, allowing for efficient switching between different implements.
Implementation Method 1
a first pilot port in fluid communication with an implement hydraulic actuator operatively connected to the implement coupler assembly to move the implement coupler assembly relative to an implement system of the machine. The sequence valve may prevent fluid flow from the first sequence port to the second sequence port when a fluid pressure at the first pilot port is less than a predetermined threshold pressure, and the sequence valve may be movable to allow fluid flow from the first sequence port to the second sequence port and out of the first chamber when a pilot fluid pressure of the implement hydraulic actuator at the first pilot port is greater than the predetermined threshold pressure
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic system may include a coupler hydraulic actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber separated from the first chamber. The coupler hydraulic actuator may be connected to the implement coupler assembly, fluid flow into the first chamber may cause the coupler hydraulic actuator to move the implement coupler assembly toward the locked position, and fluid flow out of the first chamber may cause the coupler hydraulic actuator to move the implement coupler assembly toward the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for an implement coupler assembly of a machine includes a coupler cylinder, a control valve connecting the coupler cylinder to a pressurized fluid source and a low pressure reservoir, and a sequence valve and a check valve connected in parallel between the coupler cylinder and the control valve. An implement cylinder provides a pilot pressure for the sequence valve. The coupler cylinder extends to a locked position when the control valve provides pressurized fluid through the check valve to a head end of the coupler cylinder. The coupler cylinder retracts to an unlocked position when the control valve provides pressurized fluid to a rod end of the coupler cylinder if the implement cylinder provides pilot pressure sufficient to open the sequence valve and connect the head end of the coupler cylinder to the low pressure reservoir.