Operation-Pattern Selector Valve Horizontal Mounting for Hydraulic Excavator Hose Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional arrangement of the operation-pattern selector valve in a hydraulic excavator, mounted upright at the rear of the control valve assembly, leads to cumbersome hose routing due to the need for bending and connecting remote control hoses at a right angle in a small clearance, reducing flexibility and increasing complexity in handling and routing of hoses.
Innovation Solution
The operation-pattern selector valve is repositioned to a horizontal posture at the front side of the control valve assembly, allowing hoses to be routed more freely and simplifying their connection, with remote control hoses positioned higher than pilot and actuator hoses, and the handle located at the front end to avoid interference, enabling easier routing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation-pattern selector valve is mounted upright at the rear of the control valve assembly, then the valve can be positioned in the underfloor space, but the hose routing becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operation-pattern selector valve is inverted from its conventional upright mounting position to a horizontal posture. This inversion allows the valve to be positioned at the front of the control valve assembly rather than at the rear, fundamentally changing the spatial relationship and enabling much simpler hose routing where hoses can connect directly without requiring complex right-angle bends in tight clearances
Solution Approach 2:
The valve orientation is changed from vertical (upright) to horizontal, representing a dimensional change in mounting posture. This dimensional transformation allows the valve to be positioned in a different spatial zone (front of control valve assembly vs. rear), creating additional routing space and eliminating the need for complex hose arrangements
2Volume of moving object
If the operation-pattern selector valve is positioned at the rear of the control valve assembly, then it fits in the underfloor space, but the remote control hoses require bending at right angles in small clearances
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the valve at the rear of the control valve assembly, the invention inverts the spatial arrangement by positioning the operation-pattern selector valve at the front. This reversal eliminates the need for remote control hoses to bend at right angles in small clearances, significantly improving hose handling flexibility while still maintaining compact installation
3Ease of manufacture
If the operation-pattern selector valve is mounted upright with handle at the upper end, then the valve structure is conventional, but the handle may interfere with hose routing and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is inverted from upright to horizontal mounting, which repositions the handle away from the hose routing path. This inversion eliminates interference between the handle and hoses, making hose maintenance and routing much easier while still using a conventional rotary selector valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve position is predetermined and positioned at the front of the control valve assembly during the design stage, with the handle oriented to avoid hose routing areas. This preliminary positioning prevents future interference issues and facilitates easier maintenance without requiring complex adjustments during operation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a construction machine with valves and hoses whose routing operations are simplified. The construction machine includes an upper frame, a control valve assembly, remote control valves, an operation-pattern selector valve, remote control hoses, pilot hoses, and actuator hoses. The upper frame includes a bottom plate and a floor plate, allowing an operation seat to be provided on the upper frame. The control valve assembly and the operation-pattern selector valve are provided in an underfloor space between the bottom plate and the floor plate. A partition wall stands upright on the bottom plate at a rear side of the control valve assembly. The operation-pattern selector valve has a shaft and a handle connected thereto, disposed in such a horizontal posture that the shaft extends horizontally, at a front side of the control valve assembly as viewed from the operation seat.