Quick Coupler Hydraulic Circuit With Automatic Pressurization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick coupler systems for construction machines require manual pressurization, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency, particularly in small or medium equipment, where high pressure is difficult to achieve and multiple switches are needed for operation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic pressurization system incorporating a quick coupler cylinder, flow pump, spool valve, electronic proportional pressure reducing valve, and controller, which allows for controlled hydraulic pressure management using a single switch, enabling efficient attachment and detachment of attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pressurization method is used for quick coupler operation, then the system structure remains simple, but the user convenience deteriorates and high pressure cannot be achieved sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically pressurizes the quick coupler cylinder without requiring manual intervention. The controller detects when attachment/detachment is needed and automatically activates the pressure control valve to supply hydraulic pressure, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user pressurization operations
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical pressurization operation is replaced with an electronic control system. The controller, pressure control valve, and sensor work together to automatically manage hydraulic pressure, substituting the mechanical manual valve operation with an automated electromechanical system
2Productivity
If manual pressurization is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to insufficient pressure and multiple switch operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the entire pressurization process without user intervention. When attachment or detachment is detected, the controller automatically activates the pressure control valve to provide the necessary hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for users to perform multiple pressurization operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and control of the quick coupler cylinder pressure. The sensor continuously detects pressure levels and the controller continuously adjusts the pressure control valve to ensure sufficient pressure is maintained throughout the attachment/detachment operation, eliminating interruptions and delays
3Ease of operation
If automatic pressurization system is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives signals from the quick coupler switch, monitors pressure sensor data, controls the pressure control valve, and manages the overall attachment/detachment sequence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control valve acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic system and the quick coupler cylinder. It precisely regulates hydraulic pressure based on controller signals, mediating the complex pressure control requirements and simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing pressure management
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 automatic pressurization system simplifies the operation by allowing attachment and detachment with a single switch, reducing user inconvenience and improving convenience by managing hydraulic pressure effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a flow pump configured to supply fluid to the quick coupler cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a spool valve which includes a spool, configured to move along an axial direction, and to form a pressure at a node of the flow pump according to movement of the spool
Implementation Method 3
an electronic proportional pressure reducing valve configured to control the spool valve
Implementation Method 4
a quick coupler cylinder configured to attach and/or detach an attachment to and/or from the construction machine by expansion and/or contraction
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler circuit includes a cylinder to attach and/or detach an attachment to and/or from a construction machine by expansion and/or contraction, a flow pump to supply fluid to the cylinder, a valve through which fluid for operating the cylinder passes, a spool valve which includes a spool, to move along an axial direction, and to form a pressure at a node of the flow pump according to movement of the spool, an electronic proportional pressure reducing valve to control the spool valve, a switch to perform an ON/OFF operation, and a controller to output a control current to the electronic proportional pressure reducing valve in response to the operation of the switch. The controller is maintains control current which it outputs during the switch's ON operation for a predetermined period of time after the switch's OFF operation.