Lever Device Locking Mechanism for Hydraulic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever devices for actuating hydraulic valves in agricultural machines and tractors are cumbersome to operate and have complex structures, with known locking devices being time-consuming and expensive to produce, requiring axial pressing or two-handed operation to engage and release locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lever device with a locking part designed as an immovably mounted shaft featuring a rotary handle and engagement elements that can be rotated from an engaged to a release position, or vice versa, using a quarter turn to interlock and block the actuating shaft, allowing for simple operation with minimal force and stable connection to the actuating lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw bolt with thread is used as the locking part, then the actuating shaft can be locked securely, but the locking operation becomes time-consuming and the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete locking positions with corresponding engagement elements arranged circumferentially on the actuating shaft. Each engagement element can independently engage with the locking part to secure the shaft at specific positions, enabling quick selection and locking without time-consuming threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a threaded screw bolt that requires rotational engagement along a helical path, the invention inverts the approach by using a locking part with radial engagement elements that can directly engage with corresponding elements on the actuating shaft. This eliminates the need for threaded engagement and reduces locking time significantly.
2Device complexity
If the engagement part and locking part are designed to engage axially, then the locking mechanism can be simple, but the operation becomes mechanically complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement elements are arranged in a circumferential direction around the actuating shaft rather than purely axial engagement. The locking part can engage with any of the multiple circumferentially arranged engagement elements, adding a rotational dimension to the locking operation. This allows for easier one-handed operation while maintaining simple mechanical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spring lever with complementary engagement element is used, then the actuating shaft can be locked in multiple positions, but the operation requires two hands and becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through a detent mechanism where the locking part automatically engages with one of the engagement elements on the actuating shaft. The spring-loaded detent automatically snaps into the engaged position when the shaft reaches a locking position, eliminating the need for two-handed operation while maintaining multiple locking positions capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The lever unit (1) has an actuation shaft (2) for the connection of a hydraulic valve and a manipulation lever (3) connected with the actuation shaft. An interference element (12) is attached to a locking unit (6) in such a manner that it is tilted by rotating motion of locking unit from a release position to an interference position.