Rotatable Hydraulic Fitting Assembly for Lubricated Pivot Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction vehicles face issues with flexible hydraulic hoses that interfere with lift arm assemblies and wear during operation, leading to disruption of hydraulic fluid flow and increased friction at pivot joints.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fitting assembly with rotatable housings and a lubrication applicator that maintains hydraulic fluid flow and lubricates pivot joints, using rigid hydraulic tubes and a lubrication applicator assembly to minimize interference and friction between moving components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible hoses are used to connect hydraulic tubes at pivot joints, then the hydraulic system can accommodate relative movement between arms, but the flexible hoses are prone to interference with lift arm assemblies and wearing during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotatable housings that can dynamically rotate relative to each other around a pivot axis, allowing the hydraulic fitting assembly to adapt to the relative movement between lift arms while maintaining reliable hydraulic connections. This dynamic rotational capability eliminates the need for flexible hoses and their associated reliability issues.
2Strength
If rigid hydraulic tubes are used to provide hydraulic fluid, then structural strength is improved, but the tubes cannot accommodate relative movement at pivot joints
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fitting assembly is segmented into multiple rotatable housings that can independently rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows rigid hydraulic tubes to be connected through a series of rotational joints, maintaining both structural strength and adaptability to relative movement between lift arms.
3Device complexity
If pivot joints operate without adequate lubrication, then device complexity is reduced, but friction and heat generate mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable housing assembly provides self-lubrication through its rotational movement, where the relative rotation between housings naturally distributes lubricant to the pivot joint surfaces. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable operation without requiring complex external lubrication systems.
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 hydraulic fitting assembly ensures continuous hydraulic fluid flow and reduces friction at pivot joints, enhancing the operational efficiency and durability of construction vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the lubrication applicator assembly at least partially positioned within the cavity of the first housing and the cavity of the second housing. The lubrication applicator assembly defines a channel therein configured to receive a lubricant. As such, the hydraulic fitting assembly is configured to lubricate the pivot joint
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter is directed to a work vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, including a first arm, a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm, and a hydraulic fitting assembly coupled between the first arm and the second arm at a pivot joint and configured to lubricate the pivot joint. The hydraulic fitting assembly includes a first and second housing each defining a cavity configured to receive a hydraulic fluid therein. The cavity of each of the first and second housing are aligned. The first and second housings are each configured to rotate relative to one another when either the first arm or the second arm is pivoted. The lubrication applicator assembly defines a channel configured to receive a lubricant.