Interlocking Hydraulic Coupling for Fixed-Angle Hose Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The task of connecting hydraulic hoses at specific angles in cramped work areas is inefficient, physically taxing, and time-consuming, as existing connections can be set at any angle, leading to potential damage and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hydraulic coupling connection system featuring a coupling with interlocking surfaces, including a split flange, allows for secure engagement at specific angles, reducing the physical burden and time required for installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic hoses are connected at any angle using conventional coupling connections, then the connection process is simple and flexible, but the hose may contact other parts causing damage, fluid leakage, and system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connection employs asymmetric interlocking surfaces with specific geometric features (raised portions, recesses, and engagement surfaces) that allow the hose to be secured at predetermined angles only. The asymmetric design prevents random angular positioning while maintaining ease of connection through the self-aligning nature of the interlocking surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling connection incorporates dynamic elements including the splined shaft that can rotate to different angular positions, and the interlocking surfaces that guide the hose into proper alignment during installation. The design allows the connection to be made at various predetermined angles while automatically preventing positions that would cause hose contact with surrounding parts.
2Reliability
If installers carefully position hoses to avoid contact with other parts, then damage and fluid leakage are prevented, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and physically taxing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connection has predetermined angular positions built into its design, with interlocking surfaces and engagement features that automatically guide the hose into the correct position. This preliminary preparation of connection angles eliminates the need for installers to carefully measure and position the hose during installation, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connections that prevent hose contact with surrounding parts.
3Ease of operation
If conventional coupling connections are used without angle restrictions, then installation is quick and easy, but the hose may rub against other components causing breakage and system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric interlocking surfaces and engagement features of the coupling connection create predetermined angular positions that inherently prevent the hose from contacting surrounding parts. The geometric design ensures that when the coupling is properly assembled, the hose is oriented at angles that avoid contact with other components, eliminating the harmful rubbing and vibration that cause breakage.
4Reliability
If hydraulic connections are made at precise predetermined angles, then hose contact with other parts is avoided, but the connection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connection incorporates curved and rounded geometric features in its interlocking surfaces and engagement elements. These curved surfaces guide the hose into proper alignment during installation and provide smooth transitions between components. The use of curved geometry achieves precise angular positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components, thereby maintaining relative simplicity while ensuring reliable connections at predetermined angles.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a hydraulic coupling connection includes a coupling disposed at an end of a hose and defining a flange having: a lower surface configured to engage a body of a valve; an upper surface; and an outer diameter surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface, the outer diameter surface defining a first plurality of straight sides; and a split flange engaged with the coupling, the split flange having: a first lower surface configured to engage the body of the valve; a second lower surface configured to engage the upper surface of the flange; and an inner diameter surface connecting the first lower surface and the second lower surface, the inner diameter surface defining a second plurality of straight sides, wherein engagement between the first plurality of straight sides and the second plurality of straight sides is configured to secure the connection at a first angle.