Hydraulic Cylinder Float Valve for Front Loader Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front loader arrangements face complex manufacturing and assembly challenges due to rigid connections between the mounting mast and front loader arm, making coupling and decoupling difficult, especially when geometric changes occur, such as on uneven ground or due to hydraulic leaks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shut-off valve that allows the hydraulic cylinder to assume a floating position when disconnected, enabling the mounting mast to pivot freely and adapt to the mounting frame, with fluid connections established between the piston head side, piston rod side, and hydraulic accumulator, allowing for independent operation and easier alignment during coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the mounting mast and front loader arm, then structural stability is improved, but coupling and decoupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is designed to switch between two states: a rigid fixed connection state for operational stability and a decoupled state for easy attachment/detachment. The shut-off valve enables dynamic transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt its connection characteristics based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter from rigid to flexible by opening the shut-off valve, allowing the hydraulic cylinder to decouple from the mounting mast. This parameter change enables the mounting mast to be freely removed or attached without complex locking mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mounting mast is rigidly connected to the front loader arm, then alignment precision during coupling is improved, but adaptability to geometric changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its connection state based on operational needs. During coupling, the shut-off valve is opened to allow flexible alignment and adaptation to geometric variations. Once coupled, the valve is closed to establish a rigid connection for precise operation, thus achieving both adaptability and precision at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve is opened before coupling to enable free movement and alignment of the mounting mast. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to any geometric changes or misalignments that may occur during attachment, making the coupling process simpler and more robust.
3Reliability
If the hydraulic cylinder maintains a fixed connection, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connection system is segmented into two independent states: connected and decoupled. The shut-off valve acts as the segmentation point, allowing the hydraulic cylinder to be manufactured as a standard component that can be easily attached and detached, rather than requiring a custom integrated rigid connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder with shut-off valve serves multiple functions: it provides rigid connection for operation, enables easy detachment for transport or maintenance, and allows alignment adjustment during coupling. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by using a single component design that handles multiple operational requirements.
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 simplifies the coupling process by allowing the mounting mast to adjust freely, reducing the complexity of alignment and assembly, and ensures the hydraulic system is ready for operation without relying on the vehicle's hydraulics, improving usability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a device for hydraulic suspension of the front loader arm, wherein the device comprises a hydraulic accumulator in connection with a load pressure controllable control valve
Implementation Method 2
a fluid connection running via the check valve is established between the chamber on the piston head side, the chamber on the piston rod side and the hydraulic accumulator
Data Source
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AI summary
A front loader assembly (12) is proposed, comprising a mounting frame (16) and a mounting mast (18), wherein the mounting mast (18) can be coupled to and detached from the mounting frame (16). Furthermore, a front loader boom (20) connected to the mounting mast (18) is provided, which can be pivoted via a hydraulic cylinder (24) extending between the front loader boom (20) and the mounting mast (18). The hydraulic cylinder is double-acting with a piston rod-side chamber and a piston base-side chamber (94, 96), and a device for hydraulically suspending the front loader boom (20) is provided, the device comprising a hydraulic accumulator (82) in conjunction with a load-pressure-controlled control valve (84).To facilitate coupling of the front loader assembly (12), it is proposed that actuating means be provided on the front loader assembly (12) by which the hydraulic cylinder (24) can be brought into a float position when the hydraulic supply is disconnected, wherein the actuating means comprise a shut-off valve (90) which has a first and a second switching position (108, 110), wherein in the first switching position (108, 110) a fluid connection running via the shut-off valve (90) can be established between the piston bottom side chamber and the piston rod side chamber (94, 96).