Distributed Hydraulic Control for Excavator Lift Arm Hose Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power machines like excavators, the hydraulic systems require multiple hoses to be routed through limited spaces, leading to complexity and increased costs due to the need for multiple control valves and potential compatibility issues between different implement suppliers, which complicates the routing of hydraulic circuits and increases the risk of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed hydraulic system with electronically controlled distributor blocks positioned along the lift arm, which locally distributes hydraulic power to actuators based on operator inputs, reducing the number of hoses needed from a main control valve and simplifying manufacturing by minimizing connections and potential leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of hoses are routed from a central control valve to actuators along the lift arm, then hydraulic power can be distributed to multiple functions, but the routing becomes crowded and complicated especially through limited spaces like swing mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized hydraulic control system into multiple distributed control valves positioned at different locations along the lift arm structure. Each control valve serves specific actuators locally, segmenting the hydraulic circuit into smaller manageable sections. This reduces the number of hoses that must be routed through the swing mount and simplifies the overall routing complexity while maintaining the ability to power multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions control valves from a single centralized location to multiple distributed locations along the lift arm. This spatial redistribution changes the dimensional arrangement of the hydraulic system, allowing hoses to be routed more efficiently through available spaces and reducing congestion in critical areas like the swing mount.
2Device complexity
If multiple control valves are mounted on different implements to reduce hose routing, then hose routing is simplified, but the overall costs to the owner significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal control valve assembly that can be mounted on the lift arm structure and serves multiple hydraulic circuits and actuators. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control valves on each implement, reducing the total number of components required while still providing the benefits of distributed control and simplified hose routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control valve functions into a single integrated control valve assembly mounted on the lift arm. This consolidation merges the functions of what would otherwise require multiple separate valves on different implements, reducing component count and overall system cost while maintaining simplified hose routing.
3Reliability
If control compatibility is ensured between various implement suppliers, then system reliability improves, but control units and wiring must be replaced to achieve compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control valve assembly with standardized mounting and electrical connections that can interface with different implement suppliers' control systems. This universal design ensures control compatibility across various implements while using standard wiring configurations, eliminating the need to replace control units and wiring for each supplier's equipment.
4Ease of operation
If hoses are routed through limited spaces like swing mounts, then connections are made, but the risk of leaks increases due to more connections and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic system into distributed control sections, which reduces the total number of hose connections required through the swing mount. By placing control valves at multiple locations along the lift arm, the system eliminates intermediate connections that would otherwise be required, thereby reducing potential leak points and improving reliability.
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 solution reduces the number of hoses required, enhancing durability and simplifying manufacturing by distributing hydraulic control across multiple locations, thereby reducing the complexity and cost associated with routing hoses through tight spaces like swing mounts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic pump configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
first electronically controlled hydraulic flow distributor block configured to receive the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the supply hose and to selectively divert the pressurized hydraulic fluid to different ones of multiple actuators
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments are directed to distributed hydraulic systems (405; 505; 605; 705), and power machines (100; 200; 600) such as excavators including distributed hydraulic systems. In the distributed hydraulic systems, electronically controlled distributor blocks (435; 535; 630; 635; 640; 645; 735; 835) are located throughout the machine, particularly along the lift arm (230), to locally distribute hydraulic power to actuators of the various machine and implement functions. Distributing control of hydraulics in multiple locations reduces the number of hoses that must be routed from a main control valve to the various actuators on the machine.