Quick-Change Device Bracing Support for Hydraulic Leakage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change devices for coupling tools to earthmoving machines, such as excavators, face challenges in minimizing hydraulic fluid leaks and soil contamination due to spreading forces between coupling valves, and often require additional controllers and hydraulic lines to maintain a reliable connection.
Innovation Solution
The quick-change device incorporates a bracing support designed as a hollow body within the hydraulic line, which acts as a hydraulic cylinder when fluid flows, pressing against the housing to brace the coupling blocks together, reducing leakage and eliminating the need for additional attachments, with elastic mounting and active clutch valves for efficient fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional controllers and hydraulic lines are added to move the bracing support, then the reliability of the coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing support is designed to move automatically using the hydraulic fluid already flowing through the system during normal operation. The pressure application surface on the bracing support is acted upon by the hydraulic fluid pressure, causing the bracing support to slide along the hydraulic line and provide bracing without requiring external controllers or additional hydraulic lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the hydraulic fluid flowing through the hydraulic line to directly act on the pressure application surface of the bracing support. This hydraulic pressure movement eliminates the need for separate control systems while maintaining reliable coupling through automatic bracing.
2Strength
If the coupling blocks are rigidly fixed, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate spreading forces and prevent leakage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling blocks are elastically mounted in their housings, allowing them to move dynamically in response to spreading forces. This elastic mounting enables the coupling blocks to accommodate pressure variations and spreading forces while maintaining sealing contact, preventing leakage without requiring rigid fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mounting allows the coupling blocks to change their position and contact pressure in response to varying hydraulic pressures and spreading forces. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains optimal sealing conditions while accommodating the mechanical stresses of operation.
3Reliability
If a bracing support is added to reduce leakage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing support is integrated into the existing hydraulic line structure and serves multiple functions: it provides bracing to prevent leakage, utilizes the existing hydraulic fluid flow for actuation, and eliminates the need for additional controllers or hydraulic lines. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding a bracing component.
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
This design significantly reduces the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage, ensures a reliable and leak-proof connection, and eliminates the need for additional attachments, providing a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for quick tool changes in earthmoving machines.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the hydraulic fluid flowing through the coupling valves in the coupled state and the pressure application surface present on the bracing support, the bracing support according to the invention acts like a hydraulic cylinder and is moved in flow direction S and braces itself with the contact surface against the surrounding housing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The quick-change device has a quick release fastened to a work machine, an adapter fastened to a tool and a locking device arranged between the quick release and the adapter. The locking device is provided for forming a mechanical clutch between work machine and tool. The quick release-side coupling assembly (20a) or the adapter-side coupling assembly (20b) in one of its hydraulic lines (22a,24a,22b,24b,26b) has a bracing support (34) designed as hollow body and arranged in direction of flow observed downstream from the coupling valves (28a,30a,32a,28b,30b,32b).