Axial Piston Unit Linkage With Elastic Overload Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrostatic variable displacement axial piston units with rigid linkage elements face challenges in adapting to changing loads, leading to increased force requirements and mechanical feedback, which can cause engine stalling and inefficiency due to deviation from the designed torque-speed ratio.

Innovation Solution

A displacement volume setting device with an elastically deformable connecting element that decouples input and output coupling elements when forces exceed a predetermined threshold, allowing the tilt angle to adjust and preventing engine overload, while maintaining efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If rigid linkage elements are used to connect the input device to the displacement element, then direct mechanical connection and precise control are achieved, but the force required to hold the linkage increases and mechanical feedback signals are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect mechanical connectionVSAvoidforce required to hold linkage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element changes its mechanical parameter (rigidity) based on the load conditions. Under normal operating conditions, it maintains a rigid connection for precise control. When the force from the displacement element exceeds the predetermined threshold, it elastically deforms to absorb excess force, thereby reducing the force required to hold the linkage while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the tilt angle of the displacement element is adjusted to adapt to increasing load, then the hydraulic power output increases, but the rotational speed of the combustion engine decreases which can lead to engine stalling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic power outputVSAvoidengine stalling risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable connecting element acts as an intermediary between the operator's input device and the displacement element. When the hydraulic unit generates excessive torque that could stall the engine, the connecting element elastically deforms, decoupling the input device from the displacement element. This allows the displacement element to maintain its tilt angle and power output while preventing the excessive torque from being transmitted back to the engine through the control mechanism, thus avoiding engine stalling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If the displacement volume is increased to provide more hydraulic power, then the torque-speed ratio deviates from the designed ratio, but the engine efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic powerVSAvoidengine efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements mechanical feedback through the connecting element that monitors the force or torque generated by the hydraulic unit. When the torque exceeds the predetermined threshold, the elastic deformation of the connecting element provides feedback that decouples the control input from the displacement element, preventing further increase in displacement volume. This feedback mechanism ensures the engine operates within its efficient torque-speed ratio range while still allowing the hydraulic unit to deliver the necessary power when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables the hydrostatic unit to maintain target operating conditions by adjusting displacement volume and reducing torque requirements, preventing engine stalling and improving efficiency under varying loads.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting element is elastically deformable if a force resulting from a high-pressure level which is present at/in the hydrostatic variable displacement axial piston unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4179209B1Hydrostatic variable displacement axial piston unit and displacement volume setting device
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO
  • EP4179209B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4179209B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4179209B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a displacement volume setting device of a hydrostatic variable displacement axial piston unit comprising an input device for providing a displacement command. Displacement volume adjusting means set the tilt angle of a displacement element according to the displacement command. A linkage element comprises an input coupling element connected to the input device, an output coupling element connected to the displacement volume adjusting means, and a connecting element. The input coupling element and the output coupling element are connected by the connecting element which is elastically deformable if a force resulting from the high pressure level present at the hydrostatic axial piston unit and acting on the output coupling element exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Also disclosed is a hydrostatic variable displacement axial piston unit.