Auxiliary Flow Adjustment System for Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of machines with hydraulic systems face challenges in setting and maintaining a desired auxiliary flow rate and direction, as existing systems often require constant control inputs and cannot handle full or maximum hydraulic flow, leading to limitations in using extension and retraction controls effectively.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary flow adjustment system that includes operator controls, a machine controller, and a hydraulic control valve, allowing operators to set and maintain desired flow rates and directions, with features like spool valve positioning and resume capabilities, enabling controlled flow management without continuous operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the operator uses full flow extension and retraction controls, then maximum hydraulic flow is delivered to the auxiliary function, but the auxiliary function cannot handle the full or maximum hydraulic flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by delivering a controlled portion of the maximum hydraulic flow to the auxiliary function based on operator input, rather than full flow. The controller modulates the hydraulic control valve to provide exactly the amount of flow needed, preventing overload while still delivering sufficient power for the auxiliary function's capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the operator constantly activates the roller to maintain consistent flow, then the auxiliary flow rate can be controlled, but continuous operator input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The operator makes a preliminary control input to set the desired flow rate, and the system maintains that flow rate automatically without requiring continuous adjustment. The controller remembers the operator's commanded position and sustains the corresponding flow rate, eliminating the need for constant operator attention while maintaining ease of operation.
3Power
If the auxiliary function receives maximum hydraulic flow, then full power is available, but the operator would be unable to use the full flow controls effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the hydraulic flow rate based on the operator's input signal, allowing the flow to vary from zero to a maximum level that the auxiliary function can handle. This dynamic control enables the operator to effectively use the full flow controls by modulating the roller position, with the system translating these inputs into appropriate flow rates that match the auxiliary function's capacity.
4Productivity
If the system maintains desired flow rate without further operator controls, then operational efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator's simple roller input and the hydraulic control valve. It receives the operator's position signal, processes it to determine the appropriate flow rate, and generates the corresponding control signal for the valve. This intermediary layer enables automatic flow maintenance without requiring complex operator actions, while the controller's relatively simple architecture minimizes the added system complexity.
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 operators to set and maintain specific flow rates and directions for auxiliary hydraulic functions, allowing for efficient use of hydraulic systems without constant operator control, enhancing operational flexibility and safety by managing flow rates and directions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic control valve receives the auxiliary control signals and controls flow rate and flow direction to the auxiliary hydraulic function based on the auxiliary control signals
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic control valve can include a spool valve where the spool is positioned based on the auxiliary control signals, and the flow rate and flow direction to the auxiliary hydraulic function can be controlled by the position of the spool
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary flow adjustment system and method are disclosed for controlling an auxiliary hydraulic function on a machine in accordance with commands from an operator. The auxiliary flow adjustment system includes operator controls that control a hydraulic control valve. The control valve controls flow rate and flow direction to the auxiliary hydraulic function. When the auxiliary flow adjustment system is activated, the operator can use the operator controls to select a desired flow rate and flow direction for the auxiliary function and maintain the desired flow rate and direction without further use of the operator controls. When the flow adjustment system is activated while a non-zero flow rate is selected, the desired flow rate and direction can be set to the current settings. A resume control can retrieve and command the previously stored desired flow rate and direction. Controls can be used to increase and decrease the set flow rate.