Quick Coupler Valve Sequencing Prevents Hydraulic Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change devices for coupling tools to work machines, such as excavators, face the issue of hydraulic fluid leakage due to automated opening of the excavator-side coupling part when the tool-side coupling part is malfunctioning or contaminated, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active, energy-actuated clutch valves on both the quick-change device and adapter sides, where the adapter-side valves open first, followed by the quick-change side valves, ensuring hydraulic fluid flow only after the adapter-side valves are open, preventing fluid escape in case of malfunctions and ensuring correct tool coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated opening of the excavator-side coupling part is implemented, then hydraulic coupling is achieved automatically without manual intervention, but hydraulic fluid escapes significantly when the tool-side coupling part is defective or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by opening the adapter-side coupling part first before opening the excavator-side coupling part. This sequence ensures that the tool-side hydraulic circuit is prepared and ready to receive hydraulic fluid before the excavator-side valves open, preventing fluid escape in case the tool-side coupling part is defective or contaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the opening status and operational state of the adapter-side coupling part. The control system uses this information to determine whether to proceed with opening the excavator-side coupling part, thereby preventing fluid leakage when the tool-side component is malfunctioning.
2Speed
If the excavator-side coupling part opens automatically, then coupling speed is improved, but hydraulic fluid leakage occurs due to defects or contamination in the tool-side coupling part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains fast automated coupling while improving reliability by implementing a two-stage opening sequence. The adapter-side coupling part opens first as a preliminary action, allowing the system to verify proper tool-side functionality before the excavator-side coupling part opens, thus preventing fluid leakage while maintaining coupling speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from the adapter-side coupling part's opening status to determine whether to proceed with opening the excavator-side coupling part. This feedback mechanism ensures that hydraulic fluid is only released when the tool-side circuit is properly prepared, maintaining both speed and reliability.
3Productivity
If clutch valves are opened simultaneously on both sides, then hydraulic connection is established quickly, but fluid escape occurs when tool-side coupling part is malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve opening process into two distinct stages: first opening the adapter-side clutch valves, then opening the excavator-side clutch valves. This segmentation allows the system to verify proper tool-side functionality before releasing hydraulic fluid, maintaining productivity while preventing fluid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter-side clutch valves are opened as a preliminary action before opening the excavator-side clutch valves. This ensures that the tool-side hydraulic circuit is prepared and able to receive fluid before the main hydraulic connection is established, preventing fluid escape while maintaining fast connection speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a quick-changer (16) attached at a work machine, and an adapter (18) attached at a tool e.g. screening bucket, swivel bucket and hydraulic breaker. A locking device acts between the quick-changer and adapter and produces a mechanical coupling between the work machine and tool. Quick-changer sided coupling valves and adapter-sided coupling valves are controlled after production of the mechanical coupling between the work machine and the tool such that the adapter-sided and quick-change sided valves are actively opened in order during supply of energy.