Quick Coupler Sliding Fluid Connection Without Flexible Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplers face challenges in providing optimal fluid supply with limited space and small nominal diameters, especially in smaller constructions, requiring flexible hoses that are difficult to manage and limit delivery rates.
Innovation Solution
A compact quick coupler design using sliding elements with passage openings, allowing a fluid connection between fixed and movable parts without hoses, utilizing rigid sliding elements as hollow bodies within supply openings for a seamless fluid pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If flexible hoses are used for fluid supply in smaller quick couplers, then the limited space can be accommodated, but the delivery rate is limited and management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexible hose from the fluid supply system and replaces it with rigid sliding elements that have integrated passage openings. This removes the problematic flexible connection while maintaining the ability to accommodate limited space through the compact sliding element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element acts as an intermediary component between the fixed connecting part and the movable driving element. It provides a rigid fluid pathway that maintains pressure and flow rate while accommodating the relative movement between components through its displaceable design.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller nominal diameters are used for supply lines in smaller quick couplers, then the limited space is utilized, but the minimum bending radii must be observed and hoses must be designed to be flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the flexible hose entirely by using rigid sliding elements with integrated passages. This removes the complexity of hose design, including minimum bending radius constraints and flexibility requirements, while still achieving compact installation space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply path is segmented into discrete rigid components (sliding elements with passage openings) rather than a continuous flexible hose. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for rigidity and compactness while maintaining the overall fluid supply function.
3Ease of operation
If hoses are used for fluid connection, then flexibility is achieved, but maintenance effort increases and damage sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible hose from the system and replaces it with rigid sliding elements. This eliminates the maintenance and damage sensitivity issues associated with flexible hoses while maintaining the necessary flexibility through the displaceable sliding element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element is designed as a simple, robust component that is more resistant to damage than flexible hoses. If wear or damage occurs, the sliding element can be easily replaced as a simple part rather than dealing with damaged hose assemblies.
4Ease of repair
If rigid sliding elements are used for fluid connection, then maintenance is reduced and installation space is minimized, but the design must accommodate relative movement between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements in the sliding element design, allowing it to move relative to both the fixed connecting part and the movable driving element. This dynamic capability enables the rigid sliding element to accommodate relative movements while maintaining a simple, low-maintenance structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick coupler for changing an attachment on a construction machine includes a carrier with a first receptacle arranged on one side of the carrier for receiving and holding a first coupling element and a second receptacle arranged on the other side of the carrier for receiving a second coupling element spaced from the first coupling element; a locking device associated with the second receptacle for lockably holding the second coupling element, with a driving element movable between a release and a locking position; and a fluid connection arranged between a connecting part and the movable driving element for supplying a working fluid. The fluid connection between the connecting part and the driving element is formed by at least one sliding element provided with a passage opening, with the sliding element arranged in a displaceable and sealed manner within a supply opening in the connecting part and/or the driving element.