Modular Flat-Face Coupling Support for Flexible Hydraulic Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for operating machines, such as excavators, face challenges with high production costs and long procurement times due to complex cast iron castings and machining requirements, limiting flexibility and efficiency in supporting cartridge couplings.
Innovation Solution
A modular supporting system using a steel bracket with a turned body and adjustable seats allows for flexible installation of flat face cartridge couplings, enabling easy modification and adaptation of line arrangements without decompression systems, utilizing a floating pipe system for pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cast iron castings are used to support cartridge couplings, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but production costs increase and procurement times lengthen
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting system is divided into separate modular components: a bracket body and a cartridge coupling holder. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, faster processes while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the bracket body and the cartridge coupling holder. This interface enables quick assembly and disassembly without requiring complex casting or machining operations, thereby reducing production time while preserving structural strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cast iron castings with integrated fittings are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the supporting bracket from the cartridge coupling components, allowing each to be manufactured using appropriate processes for their specific functional requirements. The bracket can be made from standard steel sections while couplings use standardized holders, eliminating the need for complex integrated casting.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that can accommodate different types and configurations of cartridge couplings. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using common components across multiple applications while maintaining structural integrity through proven design standards.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed line arrangements in castings are used, then structural stability is ensured, but adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, permanent line arrangements embedded in castings to a dynamic, reconfigurable configuration. The cartridge couplings can be quickly installed, removed, and repositioned on the bracket, allowing line arrangements to adapt to changing operational requirements while the bracket itself maintains structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the line connection functions into modular cartridge couplings that attach to a stable bracket structure, the system achieves both structural stability and configuration flexibility. Each coupling can be independently positioned and configured without compromising the overall structural integrity of the bracket.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex machining operations are performed on castings, then precise fitting is achieved, but production costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized, pre-manufactured cartridge coupling components with precision features that are mass-produced using efficient processes. These standardized components are then mounted on the bracket using simple, repeatable operations, eliminating the need for complex, time-consuming machining of custom fittings on each casting.
Solution Approach 2:
Precision fitting requirements are concentrated in the standardized cartridge coupling components rather than being distributed throughout the entire bracket structure. This allows precision machining to be performed once on reusable components rather than repeatedly on each custom casting, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining fitting precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A supporting system (100) for quick couplings, in particular for flat face cartridge couplings (3) used in the hydraulic systems of operating machines. More in detail, the invention relates to a modular highly versatile system adaptable to different configurations of use, in particular, but not exclusively, for the use of flat face cartridge couplings for connecting a utility to a hydraulic system of an operating machine such as, for example, earth-moving machines.