Swivel Joint Sensor Layout for Angle Detection and Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel joints in construction machines require separate bending joints and complex arrangements for hydraulic lines, and maintenance of swing sensors is difficult due to their placement, necessitating removal of other components for access.
Innovation Solution
A swivel joint with a sensor system that includes a rotation support body and a sensor supported by the rotation support body to detect relative rotation between the upper and lower bodies, featuring a guide pipe and securing bracket for easy maintenance, allowing the hydraulic lines and electric lines to be managed without entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is installed at the portion where relative rotation between the upper body and the lower body is performed, then the sensor can detect the relative angle accurately, but other components must be separated or removed for maintenance and repair of the swing sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sensor system into separate components: the swing sensor is mounted on the detector that rotates with the upper body, while the magnet is fixed on the lower body. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain accessible for maintenance while still accurately detecting the relative angle through the rotational movement of the detector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that remains stationary on the lower body while the detector (containing the swing sensor) rotates with the upper body. The magnet serves as a reference point that enables angle detection without requiring the sensor to be installed in hard-to-reach locations, thus maintaining both measurement accuracy and maintenance accessibility.
2Reliability
If a connector connected to hydraulic lines is disposed at an upper portion, then hydraulic connections are established, but a separate bending joint is required to connect the hydraulic lines from the connector and evenly arrange them in the upper body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connector and bending joint functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector includes built-in bending joints that allow hydraulic lines to be connected and arranged evenly in the upper body without requiring separate bending joint components, thus maintaining connection reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connection point for hydraulic lines and as a structural element that incorporates bending joints for line arrangement. This universal design eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the hydraulic system configuration while ensuring reliable connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a swivel joint for connecting hydraulic oil between a lower body of a construction machine and an upper body rotatably supported by the lower body, the swivel joint including: a rotation support body including a first body supported by the lower body and a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and rotating together with the upper body when the upper body rotates; and a sensor supported by the rotation support body to detect rotation of the upper body.