Adjustable Boom Ride Control Circuit for Variable Suspension Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride control systems for vehicles with booms lack the ability to be manually or automatically adjusted to provide softer or stiffer suspension based on various machine parameters, limiting operator comfort and productivity across different terrains and operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable ride control circuit that includes a hydraulic source, accumulator, tank, boom hydraulic cylinder, head valve, and electronically adjustable rod float valve, controlled by a ride controller to manage flow between the cylinder and tank, allowing for proportional adjustment of suspension stiffness based on operator inputs or machine parameters such as ground speed, implement type, and sensor readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ride control system uses a fixed suspension stiffness, then the system structure is simple, but the operator comfort and productivity are limited across different terrains and operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. The rod float valve is designed with an adjustable opening area that can be modified in real-time, transforming the static suspension system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational conditions and terrain types, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the opening area of the rod float valve to be adjusted, which directly changes the flow characteristics and suspension stiffness parameters. This enables the system to adapt to various terrains and operational conditions by modifying key parameters without fundamentally changing the system structure.
2Ease of operation
If the ride control system allows significant boom movement for softer suspension, then operator comfort improves, but machine stability and precision control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of the rod float valve opening area, allowing the suspension stiffness to be dynamically modified. This enables the system to provide softer suspension for operator comfort when needed, while maintaining machine stability by adjusting the valve opening to restrict boom movement when stability is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the opening area parameter of the rod float valve, which controls the flow restriction and thereby modifies the suspension characteristics. This allows the system to transition between softer and stiffer suspension modes, balancing operator comfort and machine stability based on operational requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ride control system restricts boom movement for stiffer suspension, then machine stability improves, but operator comfort and shock absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the rod float valve opening area to be adjusted in real-time, enabling the system to switch between stiffer suspension modes for stability and softer modes for comfort. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either stability or comfort based on immediate operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the opening area parameter of the rod float valve, which directly affects the flow restriction and suspension stiffness. This enables the system to provide stiffer suspension with restricted boom movement when stability is prioritized, while maintaining the capability to soften the suspension for operator comfort when required.
4Productivity
If the ride control system uses manual adjustment only, then system complexity is reduced, but responsiveness to changing conditions and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating sensors that monitor machine parameters and provide this information to the control system. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the rod float valve opening area, enabling the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions and optimize productivity without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ride control system to automatically adjust its own parameters through the electronically controlled rod float valve. The system monitors its own operational state and makes autonomous adjustments to optimize performance, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving productivity.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the ride control system uses automatic adjustment based on multiple sensors, then responsiveness and productivity improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using multiple sensors to monitor machine parameters and providing this information to the controller, which automatically adjusts the rod float valve opening area. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to changing conditions, improving adaptability and responsiveness while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the electronically controlled rod float valve system to perform multiple functions: it controls suspension stiffness, responds to various sensor inputs, and adapts to different operational conditions. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability and responsiveness while consolidating control capabilities into a single integrated system.
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 dynamic adjustment of the ride control system to provide either a softer or stiffer suspension, enhancing operator comfort and productivity by automatically tuning the suspension based on real-time machine conditions, thereby improving ride quality and reducing shock loads.
Implementation Method 1
fluid can transfer between the cylinder and the accumulator allowing for movement of the boom relative to the rest of the machine. This type of arrangement can reduce rocking motion of the machine as the ride control will absorb some of the energy created by the inertial forces
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic accumulator to a hydraulic cylinder that supports the boom. During movement of the machine, fluid can transfer between the cylinder and the accumulator
Implementation Method 3
The adjustable rod float valve is configured to control flow between the rod intake of the boom hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic tank. The adjustable rod float valve is an electronically adjustable valve that proportionally controls flow restriction between the rod intake and the hydraulic tank.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable ride control circuit and method that includes a head valve that controls flow between a boom cylinder head intake and an accumulator, and a rod float valve that controls flow between a boom cylinder rod intake and tank, where the rod float valve is electronically adjustable and proportionally controls flow restriction. A controller controls ride control activation, and adjustment of the head and rod float valves. When ride control is activated, the head valve allows flow between the head intake and the accumulator, and the controller automatically adjusts the rod float valve. When ride control is deactivated, the head valve blocks flow between the head intake and the accumulator, and the rod float valve blocks flow between the rod intake and tank. An enable valve can control positioning of the head valve. A flow selector can select manual or automatic adjustment of the rod float valve.