Shunt Valve Coupler for Hydraulic Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for coupling and decoupling equipment, such as front loaders, on work vehicles require manual and complex processes, involving multiple steps and physical movement, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automatically actuated shunt valve system that uses a coupler with mating coupling elements, including a shunt valve assembly, to open or close a flow path between the powered element's chambers, allowing for efficient decoupling and recoupling under hydraulic pressure, facilitating the removal and reattachment of equipment like front loaders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling and decoupling processes are used for power lines between tractor and loader, then the connection can be established, but the process requires multiple steps including climbing off and reboarding the tractor, moving around to access various mechanisms, and operating various mechanisms which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling operations into a single integrated coupler assembly that simultaneously couples electrical power lines and hydraulic lines. The coupler includes a body with a receptacle that receives an insert, where both electrical connectors and hydraulic quick-connectors are integrated into this single mating operation, eliminating the need for separate coupling steps for different utility lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler assembly serves multiple functions within a single device: it provides electrical power connection, hydraulic fluid connection, and automatic shunt valve actuation. The insert contains both electrical pins and hydraulic quick-connectors, allowing a single coupling action to establish all necessary connections between the tractor and loader.
2Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is maintained in the cylinder during decoupling, then the loader remains stable, but the piston cannot move freely and requires manual intervention to equalize pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt valve is automatically actuated as part of the decoupling process itself. When the insert is removed from the coupler body, the shunt valve opens the bypass passage between the rod chamber and barrel chamber, equalizing pressure before the loader is fully separated. This preliminary pressure equalization eliminates the need for manual pressure relief operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically equalizes hydraulic pressure through the shunt valve mechanism that is integrated into the coupler. The bypass passage opens automatically when the insert is removed, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow between chambers and equalize pressure without requiring manual intervention from the operator.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple coupler design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but automatic shunt valve actuation and integrated hydraulic-electrical coupling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two main segments: a stationary coupler body with a receptacle and a removable insert containing the electrical and hydraulic connectors. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be achieved through modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling integrated coupling capabilities.
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
Enables efficient and effective coupling and decoupling of equipment by equalizing pressure and allowing the pistons to move freely, simplifying the process and reducing the need for manual intervention, thus improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft engages the valve contact to move the valve element to close the flow path when the coupling elements are mated together, and moves the valve element to open the flow path when the shaft disengages from the valve contact as the coupling elements are disconnected from one another.
Implementation Method 2
One spring contacts the shaft and another spring contacts the valve element. The shaft and one spring effect movement of the valve element to close the flow path when the shaft engages the valve contact as the coupling elements are mated together. The shaft and the other spring effect movement of the valve element to open the flow path when the shaft disengages from the valve contact as the coupling elements are disconnected from one another.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically actuated shunt valve system opens and closes a passage between two chambers of a powered element operated by a power source. The shunt valve system includes a coupler connecting the powered element with the power source through two mating coupling elements. One of the coupling elements includes a valve contact and the other includes a shunt valve assembly. The shunt valve assembly includes a valve chamber connected with both chambers of the powered element, a valve element opening or closing a flow path between the conduits, and a shaft for moving the valve element. The shaft engages the valve contact to move the valve element to close the flow path when the coupling elements are mated together, and moves the valve element to open the flow path when the shaft disengages from the valve contact as the coupling elements are disconnected from one another.