Hydraulic Tool Holder Valve Merging Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool holders for cranes require multiple hydraulic lines and swivel fairleads, leading to complex and costly arrangements, especially on lorry cranes, and existing solutions either complicate hose connections or restrict tool compatibility due to size and weight issues.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder with switchable valve means that allows hydraulic lines to serve both locking and tool maneuvering functions, reducing the number of lines and swivel fairleads, and incorporating double-acting hydraulic cylinders for stable locking, with optional remote-controlled switching for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic lines are run to the tool holder for locking mechanism and tool maneuvering, then reliable hydraulic connection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic lines for locking mechanism and tool maneuvering into a single integrated hydraulic circuit. The tool holder uses a common hydraulic line that branches internally to supply both the locking cylinder and the tool hydraulic coupling, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic lines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic line means is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it provides hydraulic pressure for both the locking mechanism operation and the tool maneuvering operations. The single hydraulic line acts as a universal supply that can be directed to different actuators based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple swivel fairleads are provided on the rotator for hydraulic lines, then hydraulic connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of swivel fairleads required on the rotator by combining hydraulic line routes. Instead of requiring separate swivel fairleads for locking and tool hydraulics, the design uses a reduced number of fairleads that accommodate the merged hydraulic line arrangement, simplifying rotator construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic hoses are connected by hand at operation, then tool compatibility is improved, but operation safety and efficiency deteriorate due to back-pressure and oil mess
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic coupling means is designed to enable automatic or semi-automatic connection of hydraulic lines when tools are attached to the tool holder. The self-aligning coupling mechanisms reduce the need for manual hose connection adjustments, minimizing operator exposure to hydraulic oil and back-pressure hazards while maintaining tool compatibility.
4Reliability
If the holder size and weight are increased to accommodate mechanical locking, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces or supplements mechanical locking components with hydraulic actuators that provide locking forces. The hydraulic cylinders can deliver high locking forces in more compact and lighter packages compared to purely mechanical spring-loaded or weight-based locking mechanisms, reducing overall tool holder weight while maintaining or improving locking reliability.
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 solution simplifies the hydraulic system, reduces costs, and enables easy tool changes and compatibility with various tools, while maintaining secure locking and minimizing space and weight, making it suitable for lorry cranes and other machinery.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic cylinder means arranged to detachably be able to lock a tool to the tool holder
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic coupling means arranged to be connected with hydraulic coupling member on tools and hydraulic line means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool holder for cranes. The tool holder comprises hydraulic cylinder means arranged to detachably be able to lock a tool to the tool holder. Furthermore, hydraulic coupling means is comprised and arranged to be connected with hydraulic coupling means on the tool and hydraulic line means. The object of the invention is, among other things, to reduce the number of requisite lines in the hydraulic line means. According to the invention, the tool holder comprises furthermore valve means provided with switching means arranged to connect the hydraulic line means either to the hydraulic cylinder means or to the hydraulic coupling means of the tool holder. Thereby, the same hydraulic line means may be used for the locking i 5 function and the tool. The invention also relates to a crane provided with such a tool holder as well as use of the tool holder.