Working Machine Valve Unit Horizontal Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working machines, such as backhoes, face challenges in efficiently arranging and supporting hydraulic control valves and switch valves, leading to potential fluid leaks and operational difficulties due to inadequate space and structural support for hydraulic tubes and valves.
Innovation Solution
The working machine incorporates a valve unit with control valves arranged horizontally, supported by a first bracket and a second bracket arranged diagonally, creating a space under the control valves for hydraulic tubes, and a switch valve connected via a first fluid tube, enhancing structural support and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control valves are arranged horizontally with brackets forming support spaces, then structural support and arrangement efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional brackets and tube members
Solution Approach 1:
The control valves are arranged horizontally along a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, transitioning from conventional vertical or longitudinal arrangement to a transverse horizontal configuration. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and improves arrangement efficiency within the valve unit.
Solution Approach 2:
First and second brackets are introduced as intermediary support structures that form spaces for accommodating hydraulic tubes and pilot hoses. These brackets mediate between the control valves and the housing, providing structural support and organized routing paths, thereby improving arrangement efficiency despite adding structural elements.
2Reliability
If switch valve is supported above control valve via fluid tube, then structural support is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The first tube member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid connection conduit between the switch valve and control valves, and simultaneously provides structural support for the switch valve by extending upward from the control valve area. This multi-functionality improves structural support while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function and fluid connection function are merged into a single integrated structure (the first tube member), eliminating the need for separate support brackets or mounting structures for the switch valve, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If control valves are arranged along horizontal direction, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets are designed with pre-formed spaces and mounting features that guide the horizontal arrangement of control valves during assembly. The structural framework is prepared in advance with appropriate spacing and positioning elements, making precise horizontal alignment achievable through standardized assembly procedures rather than complex post-assembly adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a machine body, an operation fluid tank mounted on the machine body, a hydraulic device to be operated by an operation fluid supplied from the operation fluid tank. A valve unit includes a plurality of control valves to control the hydraulic device. The control valves are arranged along a horizontal direction. A switch valve is to be connected to the control valves. A first tube member includes a first fluid tube to connect the control valve and the switch valve to each other and supports the switch valve above the control valve.