Multi-Coupler Cover With Absorbent Insert for Hydraulic Cleanliness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-couplers in work vehicles face issues with hydraulic fluid leakage and soilage of the coupling surface during decoupling, leading to contamination and debris accumulation, which affects the cleanliness and functionality of the connectors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-coupler design featuring a movable cover with an insert that absorbs hydraulic fluid and a supporting component with chambers to maintain the cover's light weight and ensure contact with the coupling surface, preventing debris accumulation and fluid absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover is made solid to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid containment is improved, but the cover weight increases and may affect contact with the coupling surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates an insert made of porous material that absorbs hydraulic fluid while maintaining structural integrity. The porous structure allows the cover to be lightweight yet effective at containing and absorbing leaked fluid, resolving the contradiction between fluid containment reliability and cover weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is constructed as a composite structure combining a cover shell with an absorbent insert. This composite design allows the cover to achieve both lightweight properties and effective fluid containment through the synergistic combination of different materials with complementary properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover design is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to absorb fluid and maintain cleanliness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into two main components: a cover shell and an insert. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple, cost-effective processes, while the assembly of these components provides the advanced fluid absorption capability. The segmented design resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and fluid absorption reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover fully covers the coupling surface, then protection from debris is improved, but access to connectors for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a movable component that can be positioned in different states (covered or uncovered) relative to the coupling surface. This dynamic design allows the cover to provide debris protection during normal operation while being easily movable to expose connectors for maintenance and inspection, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
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
The solution effectively absorbs hydraulic fluid, maintains connector cleanliness, and reduces debris accumulation, ensuring reliable and efficient connections between hydraulic sources and implements in work vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is operable to absorb a fluid that escapes from the first hydraulic connector
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-coupler of a work vehicle includes a first portion and a cover. The first portion has a coupling surface. The first hydraulic connector is arranged on the coupling surface. The cover is movable between a first position in which the cover covers the coupling surface and a second position in which the coupling surface is uncovered by cover. The cover has a cover shell defining an interior cavity. The cover also includes an insert received into the interior cavity of the cover shell. The insert is operable to absorb a fluid that escapes from the first hydraulic connector.