Clutched Hydraulic Pump Control for On-Demand Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic pumps in agricultural vehicles continue to draw power from the engine even when there is no demand for hydraulic power, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption during situations like transport, engine startup, and stationary idling.
Innovation Solution
A clutch is introduced between the engine and the hydraulic pump, allowing the pump to shut off when there is no demand for hydraulic power, and a controller manages the operation of the pump and clutch based on various operating modes and hydraulic power demand, enabling on-demand hydraulic power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hydraulic pump is continuously coupled to the engine via drivetrain, then hydraulic power is available with minimal delay, but fuel consumption increases due to unnecessary operation during transport and idling
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation status based on real-time hydraulic power demand. The controller monitors demand signals and automatically engages or disengages the pump, transitioning between operational states to match actual needs, thereby reducing energy waste during low-demand periods while maintaining readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump remains pre-positioned and ready to engage immediately when hydraulic power is demanded. The system maintains the pump in a standby state during transport and idling, but ensures rapid activation capability through the clutch mechanism, achieving both fuel savings and quick response when power is needed.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic pump operates continuously, then hydraulic power is always available, but parasitic loads increase during engine startup
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates periodically rather than continuously, engaging only when hydraulic power is actually demanded. During engine startup and transport phases, the pump remains disengaged, eliminating parasitic loads. The clutch mechanism enables rapid periodic engagement when power is needed, maintaining reliability while reducing energy loss.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump is disconnected from the engine, then fuel consumption is reduced, but hydraulic power delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the engine and pump, enabling rapid engagement and disengagement. This mediator allows the pump to be disconnected during fuel-saving periods while maintaining the capability for immediate reconnection, thus resolving the conflict between fuel efficiency and response time.
4Power
If multiple hydraulic pumps are used, then hydraulic power capacity is increased, but system complexity and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic power system is segmented into multiple independent pump units, each capable of being controlled individually. This segmentation allows the system to scale power capacity by activating only the necessary number of pumps based on demand, rather than running all pumps continuously, thereby managing complexity while providing power flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a demand-based hydraulic system. A clutch is positioned between a hydraulic pump and an engine. The clutch is selectively engaged to power the hydraulic pump based on a level of demand for hydraulic power. A control system is also provided to control the clutch and/or the pump in accordance with a plurality of operating mode.