Pivoting Hydraulic Coupling for Multi-Position Boom Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic couplings in construction machines with multiple working positions face challenges in maintaining hydraulic continuity due to changes in boom angles, requiring manual connection and longer hoses to compensate for orientation changes, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with pivotable coupling parts and a locking mechanism allows for automated connection and disconnection of fluid lines, enabling flexible and stable hydraulic connections by pivoting the first coupling part relative to the boom section, using actuators for synchronized locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic couplings with two coupling halves permanently attached to respective boom sections are used, then hydraulic continuity is ensured in fixed positions, but the system cannot adapt to multiple working positions with different boom angles
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into three independent parts: a first coupling part on the machine-side boom section, a second coupling part on the attachment-side boom section, and a pivoting part that connects the first coupling part to the machine-side boom. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling adaptation to multiple working positions while maintaining hydraulic continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting part is designed to be rotatable about a pivot axis, transforming the static coupling system into a dynamic one. This rotational freedom allows the first coupling part to pivot and adapt to different boom angles and working positions, while the locking mechanism ensures stability when a specific position is selected.
2Reliability
If hydraulic hoses are made longer to compensate for different positions and articulation angles, then continuous hydraulic connection is maintained, but the system becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using excessively long hoses to accommodate all possible positions, the pivoting part provides a controlled rotational mechanism that maintains optimal hose length while adapting to different working positions. The pivot axis allows the coupling to adjust its orientation without requiring the hose to extend unnecessarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting part acts as an intermediary between the fixed machine-side boom and the movable attachment-side boom. It mediates the relative motion between the two boom sections, allowing the hydraulic connection to adapt to position changes through controlled rotation rather than relying on excessive hose length.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual connection of hydraulic couplings is required after mechanical locking, then the system structure can be simpler, but the operation becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the mechanical connection function with the hydraulic connection function into a single integrated operation. When the attachment tool is mechanically locked to the boom section, the coupling parts are simultaneously brought into fluid communication through the pivoting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual hydraulic connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting part is pre-configured to automatically bring the coupling parts into alignment and contact when the boom sections are mechanically connected. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the hydraulic connections are established automatically as part of the mechanical locking process, rather than requiring subsequent manual intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine comprising a first boom section, a second boom section detachably connected to the first boom section, a first and a second fluid-carrying line, and a coupling device for reversibly connecting the first and second lines. The first line is arranged on the first boom section and the second line on the second boom section. The coupling device comprises a first coupling part fluidly connected to the first line, a second coupling part fluidly connected to the second line and connected to the second boom section, and a pivoting part connected to the first boom section, which is pivotable about a pivot axis. By pivoting the pivoting part about the pivot axis, the two coupling parts can be fluidly coupled.According to the invention, the working machine comprises a locking mechanism by means of which the first coupling part can be mechanically connected to the pivoting part for coupling and disconnecting the coupling parts and can be detached from the pivoting part in a state coupled to the second coupling part. The invention further relates to a coupling device for a working machine according to the invention and a method for establishing an operating state of a working machine according to the invention.