Hydraulic Valve Linkage Using Horizontal Shafts for Precise Spool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical linkages between operator input devices and hydraulic control valves in power machines, such as excavators, are inefficient in converting actuation into precise control of spools, leading to suboptimal performance in functions like drive and steering.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical linkage system comprising horizontal shafts and links that convert operator input device actuation into rotation of the shafts, which in turn actuate spools in the hydraulic valve, enabling precise control of hydraulic fluid flow to various work elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical linkages (cables, hydraulic conduits) are used to connect operator input devices to hydraulic control valves, then the system structure is simple, but the precision of spool actuation and control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional flexible mechanical linkages (cables, hydraulic conduits) with a rigid mechanical shaft system that directly transmits operator input to the spool. This substitution provides more precise and direct mechanical coupling, eliminating the compliance and play inherent in flexible linkages, thereby improving spool actuation precision while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical shaft as an intermediary component between the operator input device and the spool. This shaft serves as a direct mechanical mediator that faithfully transmits the operator's input motion to the spool, ensuring accurate control while simplifying the overall linkage structure by eliminating intermediate flexible elements.
2Productivity
If traditional linkages are used, then the device complexity is low, but the control efficiency and responsiveness to operator inputs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional flexible mechanical transmission elements with a rigid shaft-based mechanical system. This replacement creates a more direct and responsive mechanical connection between operator input and spool actuation, improving control efficiency and responsiveness while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If flexible linkages (cables, hydraulic conduits) are used, then the linkage is flexible and easy to install, but the precision and directness of control signal transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flexible mechanical linkages with a rigid shaft system that provides more reliable and direct mechanical coupling. This substitution eliminates the compliance, play, and potential for slippage inherent in flexible linkages, ensuring more reliable transmission of control signals from operator input to spool actuation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical linkage (410) for a power machine (100) includes first (461) and second (462) horizontal shafts extending sideways along respective first (491) and second (492) axes. First (471) and second (472) links are operably coupled to the respective first (461) and second (462) horizontal shafts. The links convert actuation of operator input devices (421, 422) of the power machine into rotation of the horizontal shafts (461, 462) about their axes (491, 492). First (481) and second (482) valve actuators convert rotation of the respective first (461) and second (462) horizontal shafts into actuation of respective first (451) and second (452) spools in a hydraulic valve (450) of the power machine (100).