Electromagnetic Valve Integration for Riding Mower Hydraulic Couplers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing riding grass mowers face difficulties in attaching and detaching the grass collecting container due to the complex and time-consuming process of connecting and disconnecting multiple hydraulic pipes, which increases the number of couplers required.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromagnetic valve on the grass collecting container that controls the pressure oil feeding and discharging, reducing the number of pipes needed by allowing only two pipes to connect and disconnect between the pressure oil source and the valve, and using a single operational lever for lifting and posture changing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydraulic cylinders are mounted on the grass collecting container side with pipes extending from the pressure oil source, then the grass collecting container can be lifted and discharged, but the number of detachable couplers increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment operationVSAvoidnumber of couplers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressure oil feeding and discharging functions into a single integrated electromagnetic valve assembly mounted on the grass collecting container. This consolidation allows both hydraulic functions to be controlled through one coupler connection rather than requiring separate couplers for each hydraulic cylinder, thereby reducing the total number of couplers needed while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic valve acts as an intermediary component between the pressure oil source and the hydraulic cylinders. By positioning this valve on the grass collecting container and connecting it through a single coupler to the pressure oil source, the system mediates the hydraulic fluid flow to multiple cylinders through one connection point, simplifying the attachment and detachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detachable couplers are provided for hydraulic pipes, then the grass collecting container can be detached, but the connecting and disconnecting operations become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable supportVSAvoidattachment and detachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hydraulic pipe connections into a single coupler interface by integrating the pressure oil feeding and discharging pathways through one electromagnetic valve assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate connecting and disconnecting operations required, significantly decreasing the time needed for attachment and detachment while preserving the detachable support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If hydraulic cylinders are provided on the grass collecting container side, then lifting and discharge functions are achieved, but the number of pipes for feeding and discharging pressure oil increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting and discharge operationVSAvoidnumber of pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the attachment and detachment process, reduces the number of couplers needed, and enhances operational efficiency with a single lever for lifting and posture changing operations, improving overall usability.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic valve is supported by the grass collecting container for feeding/discharging pressure oil to/from the plurality of hydraulic cylinders

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of hydraulic cylinders for effecting lifting up/down and posture changing of the grass collecting container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3504951B1Riding grass mower

Publication Date: 2020.08.19 KUBOTA CORP

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AI summary

In a pressure oil feeding/discharging passage extending to a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (53, 54) from a pressure oil feeding source (8) which is mounted on a traveling machine body of a riding grass mower, a pressure oil feeding/discharging electromagnetic valve (56) for the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (53, 54) is supported by a grass collecting container (50), and a coupler (88) is provided between the pressure oil feeding source (8) and the electromagnetic valve (56) for connecting/disconnecting a pressure oil feeding/discharging passage.