Hydraulic Force Modulation via Closed-Loop Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems face inefficiencies due to fluid restriction for controlling actuator speed and force, while closed-loop systems lack force modulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system incorporating a unidirectional variable displacement pump, closed-loop circuits, switching valves, and modulation valves to control fluid flow direction and pressure, enabling force modulation in actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid restriction is used to control actuator speed and force, then control capability is improved, but flow losses increase and system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fluid restriction method with an electro-hydraulic control system. The modulation valve uses electrical signals to control hydraulic flow, substituting direct mechanical throttling with an electronically controlled hydraulic modulation mechanism. This allows precise control of actuator force and speed while minimizing energy losses through optimized flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes hydraulic parameters (flow rate, pressure) through the modulation valve to optimize system performance. By varying the modulation valve opening based on control signals, the system adjusts fluid flow parameters to achieve desired actuator performance while minimizing energy losses, rather than using fixed restriction orifices.
2Loss of energy
If closed-loop hydraulic system is used to improve efficiency, then system efficiency is improved, but force modulation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation valve serves as an intermediary component in the closed-loop system. It mediates between the pump and actuator, providing the necessary force modulation capability while maintaining the closed-loop architecture. The valve allows precise control of fluid flow to the actuator, enabling force modulation without breaking the closed-loop efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the closed-loop pump system for efficient power delivery, and the modulation valve section for precise force control. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function - the pump maintains closed-loop efficiency while the modulation valve provides the necessary adaptability for force modulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic system with multiple actuators is used, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulation valve is designed as a universal control component that can serve multiple actuators through the closed-loop system. A single modulation valve can control flow to different actuators by switching connections, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate control systems for each actuator. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple actuators into a unified closed-loop system with a single modulation valve. Instead of having separate control circuits for each actuator, the system combines them share the pump and modulation valve resources, reducing component count and system complexity while maintaining the ability to control multiple actuators independently.
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 system achieves improved efficiency and control by minimizing flow losses and allowing precise force modulation, enhancing the performance of hydraulic actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that draws low-pressure fluid from a tank, pressurizes the fluid, and makes the pressurized fluid available to multiple different actuators
Implementation Method 2
a first switching valve disposed between the first actuator and the first pump. The first switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the first actuator
Implementation Method 3
a modulation valve associated with the first circuit. The modulation valve may be configured to selectively modulate a pressure of the first circuit during actuation of the first or second switching valves
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a unidirectional variable displacement first pump, a first actuator connected to the first pump via a closed-loop first circuit, and a first switching valve disposed between the first actuator and the first pump. The first switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the first actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a second actuator connected to the first pump in parallel with the first actuator via the first circuit, and a second switching valve disposed between the second actuator and the first pump. The second switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the second actuator. The hydraulic system may further have a modulation valve associated with the first circuit and configured to selectively modulate a pressure of the first circuit during actuation of the first or second switching valves.