Hydraulic Swivel Joint Angular Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel joints in work vehicles with rotating turrets rely on expensive and vulnerable position sensors to detect angular positions, which can be compromised by environmental conditions, leading to reduced stability and increased risk of tipping.
Innovation Solution
A swivel joint that uses a piloting conduit and signal conduit system, where the connection between them changes based on the angular position of the turret, sending pressure signals through the hydraulic fluid to indicate unsafe positions without the need for electrical or electronic sensors, allowing direct control of hydraulic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position sensors are used to detect angular position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic position sensors with a purely mechanical solution. The swivel joint uses hydraulic pressure and mechanical linkages to detect angular position and generate warning signals. The connecting device mechanically connects or disconnects hydraulic conduits based on angular position, eliminating the need for electronic sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure as the signaling mechanism. A piloting conduit delivers pressurized fluid to a signal conduit, which then transmits the warning signal hydraulically. This hydraulic signaling system replaces electronic sensors and wiring, simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision for angular position detection.
2Reliability
If position sensors are exposed to environmental conditions, then reliability deteriorates, but protecting them increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint itself serves as the protective housing for the hydraulic signaling mechanism. The internal hydraulic components are naturally protected within the sealed swivel joint structure, eliminating the need for separate protective enclosures or environmental shielding that would be required for electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system operates within the sealed environment of the swivel joint, using fluid pressure transmission that is inherently resistant to environmental conditions such as dust and moisture. This hydraulic approach provides reliable operation without requiring additional protective structures.
3Measurement precision
If additional fixing structures and plates are added for sensor mounting, then ease of manufacture deteriorates, but measurement precision is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angular position detection function directly into the swivel joint structure itself. The hydraulic conduits and connecting devices are integrated components of the swivel joint, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting structures, brackets, or additional plates that would complicate manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing electronic sensors with a mechanical-hydraulic system integrated into the swivel joint, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting structures. The detection mechanism uses the existing mechanical movement of the swivel joint to activate hydraulic connections, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
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 eliminates the need for sensors, reduces complexity, and enhances stability by providing a reliable and cost-effective means to monitor and adjust the turret's angular position, improving safety by using hydraulic pressure signals for real-time feedback.
Implementation Method 1
A swivel joint (10) which enables transmitting a operating fluid from one or more pumps, located on-board the vehicle turret, to one or more actuators located on-board the lower frame or carriage
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel joint including a pivot provided with a longitudinal axis; and a seating concentric to the pivot and in which the pivot is sealedly rotatable. The pivot includes an inlet conduit, a signal conduit, and a discharge conduit. The swivel joint further includes a connecting device, structured so as to assume a first configuration, in which it closes the inlet conduit and places the signal conduit in communication with the discharge conduit, and a second configuration, in which it places the inlet conduit in communication with the signal conduit and closes the discharge conduit. The connecting device is further structured so as to move between the first configuration and the second configuration following the rotation of the pivot with respect to the seating over a predetermined angle starting from an initial position.