Boom Hydraulic Circuit With Dual Pumps and Float Descent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic systems for working machines face inefficiencies when moving boom arms in ascending and descending directions due to varying hydraulic fluid flow requirements, leading to reduced efficiency and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic system with two pumps and directional control valves, including a float state to connect chambers to the reservoir, allowing for efficient flow management and free movement in both directions while preventing rapid movement that could cause accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single hydraulic pump is used to move the boom in both ascending and descending directions, then the system complexity is reduced, but the pump operates at reduced efficiency when moving the boom in the descending direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of pumpsVSAvoidpump efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate pumps: a first pump dedicated to providing hydraulic fluid for ascending movement, and a second pump dedicated to providing hydraulic fluid for descending movement. This segmentation allows each pump to operate at its optimal capacity range, with the first pump operating at maximum or close to maximum capacity during ascent, and the second pump operating at maximum or close to maximum capacity during descent, thereby resolving the efficiency loss that would occur with a single pump operating at variable capacities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If a high flow rate is provided for ascending movement, then the boom ascent speed is improved, but the boom descends too quickly when the same flow rate is used for descending direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboom ascent speedVSAvoidboom descent control safety
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic fluid supply system is segmented into two independent pump systems that can be selectively activated based on the desired boom movement direction. The first pump system is configured to provide high flow rates optimized for ascending movement, while the second pump system provides flow rates optimized for descending movement. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow rates for each direction, enabling fast ascent while maintaining controlled, safe descent speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the hydraulic fluid flow rate parameter based on the boom movement direction. During ascending movement, the first pump provides a higher flow rate to achieve acceptable ascent speed. During descending movement, the second pump provides a lower flow rate to ensure controlled descent speed and prevent safety hazards. This dynamic parameter change is achieved through directional control valves that route hydraulic fluid from the appropriate pump to the actuator chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a low flow rate is provided for descending movement, then the boom descent speed control is improved, but the boom ascent becomes too slow when the same flow rate is used for ascending direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboom descent control safetyVSAvoidboom ascent speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is divided into two separate pump systems with each pump optimized for a specific direction of boom movement. The first pump is optimized to provide high flow rates for ascending movement, maximizing productivity during ascent. The second pump is optimized to provide lower flow rates for descending movement, ensuring safety and control during descent. This segmentation eliminates the compromise that would be necessary with a single pump system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two different hydraulic fluid supply configurations based on the required boom movement direction. When ascending is required, the first pump is activated to provide high flow rates. When descending is required, the second pump is activated to provide controlled flow rates. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each operational phase without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the hydraulic pump operates at reduced capacity for descending movement, then the boom descent control is improved, but the overall system efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboom descent controlVSAvoidhydraulic system efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic fluid supply is segmented into two independent pump systems, allowing each pump to operate at its optimal capacity range. The first pump operates at maximum or close to maximum capacity when providing hydraulic fluid for ascending movement, maximizing efficiency. The second pump operates at maximum or close to maximum capacity when providing hydraulic fluid for descending movement. This segmentation eliminates the efficiency loss that would occur if a single pump had to operate at reduced capacity to accommodate both ascending and descending requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration enhances efficiency by maintaining pumps at maximum output and reduces the risk of accidents by controlling boom movement speed, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first pump; a first directional control valve comprising a first ascending state configured to direct hydraulic fluid from the first pump to the ascending chamber to move the boom in the ascending direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a descending state configured to direct hydraulic fluid from the first pump to the descending chamber to move the boom actuator in the descending direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a second pump; a second directional control valve comprising a second ascending state configured to direct hydraulic fluid from the second pump to the ascending chamber to move the boom actuator in the ascending direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

a float state configured to connect at least one of the ascending and descending chambers to the hydraulic reservoir for permitting the boom to move freely in the descending and/or descending directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11466434B2Hydraulic system
Publication Date: 2022.10.11 J C BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LTD
  • US11466434B2 patent drawing
  • US11466434B2 patent drawing
  • US11466434B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic system for a working machine, the hydraulic system includes: a hydraulic fluid reservoir; a boom actuator having an ascending chamber and a descending chamber; a first pump; a first directional control valve comprising a first ascending state configured for moving the boom in the ascending direction, a descending state configured for moving the boom actuator in the descending direction, and a first neutral state; a second pump; a second directional control valve comprising a second ascending state configured for moving the boom actuator in the ascending direction, and a second neutral state; wherein the second directional control valve further comprises a float state configured to connect at least one of the ascending and descending chambers to the hydraulic reservoir for permitting the boom to move freely in the descending and/or descending directions.