Hydraulic-Mechanical Valve for Quick-Change Coupling Under Pressure Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change devices for work machines require hydraulic actuation of securing elements, which can be hindered by pressure loss in the hydraulic system during prolonged shutdowns, preventing secure coupling and operation.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change device with a control device featuring a hydraulic cylinder, changeover valve, and switch valve that allows hydraulic and mechanical actuation of the securing element, ensuring it can be unlocked even when mechanical access is blocked, by using a 2/4-way valve and pilot-operated check valve to maintain hydraulic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydraulic actuation is used for the securing element, then the coupling operation is automated and efficient, but the system becomes unreliable during prolonged shutdowns due to hydraulic pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between hydraulic and manual actuation modes based on operational conditions. During normal operation, hydraulic actuation provides automated securing. During shutdown or pressure loss conditions, the system allows manual intervention through the manual actuator to maintain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A manual actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that can directly actuate the securing element when hydraulic pressure is unavailable. This manual actuator bypasses the hydraulic system, providing a reliable backup method for securing and releasing the attachment unit.
2Reliability
If the securing element is mechanically blocked during coupling, then safety is improved by preventing premature locking, but the operation becomes difficult or impossible to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent paths: a hydraulic path for normal automated operation and a manual path for intervention when blocked. The manual actuator provides a separate mechanical pathway to actuate the securing element, bypassing any mechanical blocking in the hydraulic control path.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual actuator acts as an intermediary that can directly engage the securing element's actuation mechanism, bypassing blocked hydraulic control paths. This allows operators to overcome mechanical blocking and complete the coupling operation.
3Device complexity
If a single hydraulic system is used for both locking and unlocking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle pressure loss conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The manual actuator serves multiple functions: it can actuate the securing element during normal operation as a backup to hydraulic actuation, and it becomes the primary actuation method during pressure loss conditions. This multi-functional component adds minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability.
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
Ensures secure and reliable coupling by allowing hydraulic unlocking of the securing element, even in cases of hydraulic pressure loss, thereby maintaining operational readiness of the work machine.
Implementation Method 1
A quick-change device (10) for coupling an attachment unit (11) to a work machine (12) has a securing element (5) which is displaceable into a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
A quick-change device with a control device featuring a hydraulic cylinder, changeover valve, and switch valve that allows hydraulic and mechanical actuation of the securing element
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-change device for coupling an attachment unit to a work machine, having a securing element, which is pushed into a locking position and an unlocking position to lock or secure and unlock or release, respectively, the coupled attachment unit. To displace the securing element, a control device is present, which has a switch valve, which can be actuated hydraulically and mechanically via a button, and is designed such that the attachment unit can be locked or secured only when the button is engaged but can be unlocked or released independently of the position of the button.