Hydraulic Accumulator for Rapid Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in quickly and non-destructively avoiding collisions with obstacles at increasing driving speeds, as existing safety devices often react too late or require maintenance, and obstacle detection accuracy decreases with higher speeds and complex terrain.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure hydraulic accumulator system is integrated with a normal operating pressure supply to rapidly lift working tool units, allowing for quicker avoidance of collisions without the need for gas generators or frequent maintenance, using a switching valve for recharge and a detection device for automatic triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If driving speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity increases, but the time available to react to obstacles decreases and collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic accumulator is pre-charged with high-pressure fluid during normal operation (when no obstacles are present) so that when an obstacle is detected, the system can immediately actuate the working tool unit without delay for pressure buildup. This preliminary preparation of energy allows instant response to threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a hydraulic accumulator storing high-pressure fluid that can be rapidly discharged to actuate the working tool unit. This hydraulic mechanism provides much faster actuation speed compared to conventional hydraulic systems, enabling the machine to react and avoid collisions within seconds even at high driving speeds.
2Reliability
If conventional hydraulic systems are used to lift working tool units, then the system is simple and reliable, but the actuation speed is insufficient to avoid collisions at high driving speeds
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic accumulator is integrated into the existing hydraulic system, storing high-pressure fluid that can be rapidly discharged through a control valve to the hydraulic motor. This provides significantly faster actuation speed while maintaining compatibility with the existing reliable hydraulic infrastructure of the agricultural machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal hydraulic operation and emergency high-speed actuation mode. During normal operation, the system maintains its simple and reliable conventional hydraulic functioning. When an obstacle is detected, the system dynamically transitions to using the pre-charged high-pressure accumulator for rapid response, then returns to normal mode after the threat is passed.
3Speed
If gas generators are used for rapid actuation, then actuation speed increases, but the device requires frequent replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces consumable gas generators with a reusable hydraulic accumulator that can be rapidly recharged from the existing hydraulic system. The accumulator and associated valves are durable mechanical components that require minimal maintenance compared to disposable gas generators, eliminating the need for frequent replacements during field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic accumulator is automatically recharged from the machine's existing hydraulic system after each discharge, without requiring manual intervention or replacement. The system self-regenerates its emergency power supply by accumulating hydraulic pressure during normal operation, making it ready for the next emergency without maintenance stops.
4Loss of time
If obstacle detection range is extended to provide earlier warning, then reaction time increases, but detection accuracy decreases due to changes in direction and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced actuation speed enabled by the hydraulic accumulator allows the system to use a shorter detection range while still having sufficient time to react. Since the system can actuate much faster than before, it can rely on nearer detection which provides higher accuracy, effectively trading detection distance for precision without compromising overall reaction capability.
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 rapid and repeated avoidance of collisions at higher speeds, reducing machine damage and animal safety risks, with improved accuracy and reduced maintenance needs, as the high-pressure accumulator provides a significant impulse for quick actuation of hydraulic actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (50) for abruptly actuating the aforementioned or another hydraulic actuator (10) for abruptly lifting the working tool unit (28, 29, 30) out of a collision area
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine in the form of a grassland implement, in particular a mowing or haymaking machine (1), which can be attached to a tractor (6), comprising at least one working tool unit (8) for carrying out grassland cultivation, and at least one hydraulic actuator (10) for lifting and/or moving the working tool unit (8) from a working position, wherein the hydraulic actuator (10) can be actuated by a controllable operating pressure supply (80). According to the invention, in addition to the operating pressure supply (80), a quick-actuating device (14) with a high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (50) is provided for the sudden actuation of the aforementioned or a further hydraulic actuator (10) for the sudden lifting and/or moving of the working tool unit (8) from a collision area.