Hydraulic Tank Quick Connect Coupling for Ground-Level Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural chemical sprayers face inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs due to the need for ladders to fill hydraulic fluid storage tanks, which are typically mounted high on the frame, making it difficult for operators to refill them without assistance.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic fluid storage tank with a quick connect coupling system that allows for easy filling from the underside, eliminating the need for ladders and simplifying the refilling process while maintaining the tank's design for adequate ground clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the hydraulic fluid storage tank is mounted at the top of the frame to provide adequate ground clearance, then the sprayer can traverse crops without damage, but the fill spout becomes inaccessible to operators standing on the ground, necessitating the use of ladders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground clearanceVSAvoidaccessibility of fill spout

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional fill spout arrangement by providing a fill port at the bottom of the tank instead of at the top. This allows operators to fill the hydraulic fluid tank from ground level without requiring ladders or elevated positions, while the tank remains mounted high on the frame for adequate ground clearance. The inverted fill approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining ground clearance and ensuring operator accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the fill spout is positioned at the top of the tank to maintain proper fluid storage configuration, then the tank structure remains simple, but the refilling process requires ladders and increases maintenance time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank structureVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by relocating the fill port from the top of the tank to the bottom. This structural modification, while adding a passageway through the tank wall, enables ground-level filling operations that significantly reduce maintenance time. Operators can now refill the tank without climbing ladders, making the maintenance process more efficient and safer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a passageway structure that extends from the bottom of the tank to an external fill port. This intermediary structure allows hydraulic fluid to be introduced into the tank from ground level while maintaining the tank's high mounting position for ground clearance. The passageway acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of tank structure and maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the tank is mounted high on the frame to ensure adequate ground clearance for crop traversal, then the sprayer can operate in agricultural fields without damaging crops, but the refilling operation becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground clearanceVSAvoidrefilling operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the fill approach - instead of requiring operators to reach upward to a top-mounted fill spout, the fill port is positioned at the bottom of the tank. This allows standard ground-level filling operations to be performed on a tank that remains mounted high on the frame, thereby maintaining ground clearance while simplifying the refilling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 quick connect coupling system reduces maintenance time and costs by enabling operators to fill the tank without ladders, improving operational efficiency and safety by simplifying the refilling process while maintaining the sprayer's ability to traverse crops without damage.

Implementation Method 1

The quick connect coupling is configured to allow for flow from the input end to the output end thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The baffle is configured to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid between first and second portions during transport of the agricultural implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow restriction: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10801179B2Hydraulic fluid storage tank including quick connect coupling

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A storage system for storing hydraulic fluid used to drive hydraulically driven components of an agricultural implement and of filling the same are provided. The storage system includes a tank having an underside. The tank has a cavity in an interior thereof for receiving the hydraulic fluid therein. A quick connect coupling is operatively connected to the underside of the tank and has an output end in communication with the cavity in the tank and an input end connectable to a hydraulic fluid source. The quick connect coupling is configured to allow for flow from the input end to the output end thereof.