Integrated Valve Block for Hydraulic Tool Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool attachment systems for wheel-mounted loaders require complex and costly separate installations of multiple sub-functions, leading to mounting challenges and obscure distribution of responsibility between suppliers, due to the need for multiple components and separate solutions for hose fracture, electricity reversing, post-tensioning, and pressure relief functions.
Innovation Solution
A single valve block integrates the hose fracture, electricity reversing, post-tensioning, and pressure relief functions, including a check valve and electro-magnetically operated reversing valve, which can be easily attached to the tool attachment, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the mounting process by requiring only two hydraulic lines and an electric cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for hose fracture protection, electricity reversing, post-tensioning, and pressure relief functions, then each function can be provided reliably, but the device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (hose fracture protection via check valve, electricity reversing via reversing valve, post-tensioning via bypass line with check valve, and pressure relief via dumping valve) into a single integrated valve block. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their individual installations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining all required functions within one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve block is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hose fracture protection through an integrated check valve, enables electricity reversing through a reversing valve, implements post-tensioning via internal bypass lines, and offers pressure relief through a dumping valve. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace several separate systems, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are installed for different hydraulic functions, then each function is ensured, but the mounting process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all required hydraulic functions into a single valve block assembly, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate installations. The integrated design allows the entire system to be mounted in one operation, significantly improving ease of operation during installation while ensuring all functions are present and reliable.
3Reliability
If separate solutions are provided for each hydraulic function, then each function can be optimized independently, but the distribution of responsibility between suppliers becomes obscure and coordination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple functions into a single valve block that can be supplied as one integrated unit. This merging clarifies the supply chain by establishing a single point of responsibility for the entire assembly, eliminating the coordination difficulties and obscure distribution of responsibility that arise when multiple separate components are supplied by different vendors.
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 integrated valve block simplifies the tool attachment process, reduces the need for subsequent supplementation, and facilitates efficient mounting by eliminating the requirement for separate solutions, ensuring reliable operation and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A hose fracture function which is normally fitted directly to the locking cylinder to ensure that the locking function of the attachment will function even in the event of a hose fracture on the hydraulic hoses leading to the locking cylinder
Implementation Method 2
An electricity reversing function. In conjunction with the hydraulic rapid tool attachment the most usual solution applied involves the installation of an electricity reversing valve, a type 6/2 valve, in order to lend oil from the normal tool hydraulic system to the locking function of the attachment locking pistons. This magnetic valve is controlled electrically via a low voltage cable and a contact breaker in the driver's cabin
Implementation Method 3
The post tension on the locking system can thus be solved with a separate arrangement, in which a so-called bypass line that includes a check valve is drawn between tool hydraulics and the working hydraulics
Implementation Method 4
The load is relieved automatically prior to connecting and disconnecting the tool hydraulics. This enables the pressure in the hoses leading to the tool hydraulics to be eliminated so as to enable the hydraulics to be released in the absence of pressure. This automatic pressure relief is normally effected on the machine by installing leakage lines from the tool hydraulics that are connected directly to a tank via a dumping valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve block (1) disposed adjacent a tool attachment of a working machine, where the tool attachment is adapted for connection to different types of hydraulically manoeuvred tools or implements with the aid of a hydraulically actuated locking device (7). According to the invention, the valve block includes first port means (17, 18), second port means (19, 20) and third port means (21, 22) for connecting hydraulic lines (32, 33) of the working machine to hydraulic coupling elements (12) and to the locking device (7) respectively. The valve block includes a line system and valve means (2, 4, 5, and 6) which communicate with the port means so as to fulfil at least three of the following five functions: ensuring the presence of pressure in the locking device in the event of a - fracture in the hydraulic lines (32, 33) of the working machine ensuring connection of the first port means (17, 18) with either the second - port means (19, 20) or the third port means (21, 22) to obtain post-tensioning of the locking device (7) to relieve the pressure load and - to provide pressure limitation.