Hydraulic Lock Valve Visual Position Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural work vehicles, such as combines, face challenges in securely positioning their headers and feederhouses for maintenance, as existing mechanical supports limit the range of motion to a single fixed position, hindering work under or around these components.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic actuator lock valve system that includes a valve housing coupled to the hydraulic actuator, allowing the lock valve to move between locked and unlocked positions, visually indicated by a rod extension, enabling the hydraulic actuator to be locked at various positions relative to the ground, facilitating maintenance and repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical support with fixed length is used to maintain the header or feederhouse in the fully raised position, then the header or feederhouse can be secured in a single position, but the range of motion is limited and work under or around the header or feederhouse becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed-length mechanical support with a hydraulic actuator that can dynamically adjust its length. The hydraulic actuator allows the header or feederhouse to be positioned at multiple heights (fully raised, intermediate, or lowered positions) rather than being restricted to a single fixed position, thereby providing both stability when locked and versatility in positioning.
2Device complexity
If a lock valve with internal rod is used, then the structure is compact, but the valve position cannot be visually indicated from the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a rod that extends from the internal valve mechanism through the valve housing to the exterior. This rod serves as a mediator that transmits the position information from the internal valve components to the external environment, allowing operators to visually determine whether the valve is in the locked or unlocked position without exposing the complex internal mechanism.
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 allows for secure locking of the hydraulic actuator at multiple positions, providing a visual indication of its status, thus enabling flexible positioning and easy maintenance of headers and feederhouses, enhancing operational versatility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body further comprises a biasing member and a valve seat coupled to the rod, the biasing member moves the valve seat to a locked position in which the lock valve is locked
Implementation Method 2
The valve body is responsive to the hydraulic circuit to move to an unlock position in which the lock valve is unlocked
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
System and method for a lock valve for a hydraulic actuator. The lock valve (114) includes a valve housing (120) coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The valve housing (120) defines a chamber in selective fluid communication with a hydraulic circuit. The lock valve includes a valve body (121) received within the chamber and responsive to the hydraulic circuit to move to an unlock position in which the lock valve is unlocked. The valve body (121) includes a rod (124) having a first end and an opposite second end. The valve body includes a head (126) coupled to the rod (124) between the first end and the second end. The head (126) is responsive to the hydraulic circuit to move the valve body (121) to the unlock position, and in the unlock position, the first end of the rod (124) extends outwardly from the valve housing (120) to visually indicate the lock valve is unlocked.