Multiple Coupling Manifold with Selective Decompression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic manifolds are limited in the number of couplings they can accommodate, complicate the hydraulic system by requiring multiple line connections, and do not allow for the modification of cartridge positions.

Innovation Solution

A multiple coupling manifold that connects two hydraulic lines of different sizes, accommodating at least one cartridge and one coupling on each line, with decompression means to simultaneously decompress both the cartridge and coupling, allowing for the exchange of cartridge and coupling positions and simplifying the hydraulic system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a manifold accommodates multiple cartridges of different sizes, then the versatility and adaptability of the hydraulic system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple connection lines

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is designed with multiple housings of different sizes (first housing for larger cartridges, second housing for smaller cartridges) that can accommodate various cartridge types. The decompression device is universally applicable to both housing types, allowing the same mechanism to handle different cartridge configurations, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold is segmented into distinct housings (first housing and second housing) with different capacities, allowing independent accommodation of cartridges of different sizes. This segmentation enables flexible configuration while maintaining a unified decompression system, balancing versatility with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the manifold allows exchange of cartridge positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to potential misconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each housing is designed with specific local characteristics (first housing for larger cartridges, second housing for smaller cartridges) that guide proper cartridge placement. The decompression device is positioned to work with both housing types, creating local quality differences that ensure correct configuration while allowing position exchange, thus maintaining reliability through design guidance rather than rigid fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the manifold connects multiple hydraulic lines of different sizes, then the functionality is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to increased connection complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The decompression device combines the decompression function for both the first and second housings into a single integrated mechanism. This merging allows simultaneous decompression of multiple hydraulic lines through one operation, improving ease of operation while maintaining the functionality to handle multiple line sizes and configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3181978B1Multiple coupling manifold for quick couplings
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 FASTER SPA
  • EP3181978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3181978B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3181978B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multiple coupling manifold comprising a plurality of housings configured to accommodate an equal number of hydraulic couplings. The manifold according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises first and second hydraulic connection means configured to hydraulically connect said manifold to the hydraulic circuit present on the machine once the manifold is mounted on the machine, and is further characterized in that it comprises a first hydraulic connection pipe, which connects said first hydraulic connection means to a first and a second of said housings, and a second hydraulic connection pipe, which connects said second hydraulic connection means to a third and a fourth of said housings.