Integrated Hydraulic Manifold for Fewer Leak Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-coupling devices for hydraulic systems in agricultural and construction machinery suffer from numerous leak points and complex installation/maintenance due to multiple connections and pipes, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Innovation Solution

An integrated hydraulic group with a block containing internal flow-regulating valves and electro-valves, reducing connections to three main inlets and minimizing leak points, enhancing reliability and simplifying installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate connections and pipes are used to connect hydraulic lines from the power source to the multi-connection device, then each line can be independently controlled, but the number of leak points increases significantly and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of leak pointsVSAvoidnumber of connections and pipes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple distribution valves and their associated piping into a single integrated block structure. This merging of previously separate components (valves, pipes, fittings) into one unified unit dramatically reduces the number of external connections and potential leak points while maintaining all necessary hydraulic control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses multiple distribution valves for different hydraulic lines, provides flow control, and acts as a manifold for fluid distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate piping systems for each line, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate distribution valves and pipes are used for each hydraulic line, then each line can be independently controlled, but installation time and maintenance complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent line controlVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple distribution valves and piping into a single integrated block, the patent reduces installation time by minimizing the number of separate components to be assembled. Maintenance time is also reduced as the integrated design simplifies access and identification of specific lines while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated block maintains internal segmentation of hydraulic lines, allowing independent control of each line through individually accessible valve mechanisms within the unified structure. This internal segmentation preserves operational independence while achieving external simplification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If numerous fittings and pipe connections are used between the distribution valve and multi-connection device, then each hydraulic line can be connected, but the cost of materials and installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of hydraulic lines connectedVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated block merges multiple piping systems into a single manufactured unit, eliminating the need for numerous separate fittings and connections. This reduces material costs and installation expenses while maintaining the capability to connect multiple hydraulic lines with different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated block provides a universal solution that can accommodate multiple hydraulic lines with different flow requirements through its internal valve system, eliminating the need for custom piping solutions for each line and thereby reducing overall installation cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Drastically reduces leak points by 70% and lowers costs and installation times, improving reliability and maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The pressurized fluid is conveyed, in correspondence with each line, by means of internal channels within the block, to the female couplings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic elements (for example, as already mentioned, compensation valves, one-way valves, proportional valves, control valves, etc.), to ensure the correct control of the hydraulic power as well as the direction and flow of the operating fluid flow-rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve flow regulation: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4055227B1Integrated multi-connection hydraulic group
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 FASTER SPA
  • EP4055227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4055227B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4055227B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an integrated multi-connection hydraulic group (1) for connecting the hydraulic circuit on- board an operating machine to a plurality of hydraulic and/or electrical and/or pneumatic lines for the connection of corresponding lines of a user, characterized in that it comprises a block or manifold (10) comprising connection means (50, 70) for connecting said block (10) to the circuit of said machine, a plurality of fast female couplings (21) being housed within said block (10) which are facing outwardly from a surface of said block (10) shaped like a plate (20) for connecting the corresponding number of male couplings of said user, and in that it further comprises within said block or manifold (10), in fluid connection with said female couplings by means of respective channels (30) inside the block (10), a plurality of hydraulic elements (40) for adjusting the flow which feeds said lines.