Dozer Blade Hydraulic Circuit for Simultaneous Tilt and Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact track loaders with dozer blade attachments face inefficiencies due to limitations in hydraulic and mechanical systems, leading to poor fuel efficiency and parasitic loads when simultaneously controlling the four degrees of freedom (tilt, angle, pitch, and yaw) required for advanced control applications like grade control.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit with a diverter valve and pressure compensated directional control valve, coupled with an electronic controller, allows for simultaneous actuation of tilt and angle hydraulic cylinders, enabling efficient control of the dozer blade attachment in all four degrees of freedom without creating a parasitic load, using a shuttle flow path and accumulator for energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous control of all four degrees of freedom (tilt, angle, pitch, and yaw) is implemented, then the versatility and control capability of the dozer blade attachment is improved, but the fuel efficiency deteriorates and parasitic loads increase due to hydraulic system limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit configuration is made dynamic through the diverter valve that can switch between different flow paths based on operational needs. The system transitions between single-actuator mode (tilt only or angle only) and dual-actuator mode (both tilt and angle simultaneously), allowing the hydraulic system to adapt its complexity to the actual control requirements rather than maintaining full four-degree-of-freedom capability continuously, thus reducing parasitic loads when full versatility is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the hydraulic flow parameters by using a pressure compensated directional control valve that regulates flow rates to minimum necessary levels. This allows the hydraulic pump to operate at optimized pressure and flow conditions, reducing energy consumption while still achieving the required actuator performance for both tilt and angle control when simultaneously activated.
2Manufacturing precision
If simultaneous actuation of tilt and angle hydraulic cylinders is enabled, then the precision of grade control application is improved, but the engine load increases creating parasitic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter valve acts as an intermediary component that manages hydraulic fluid distribution between the tilt and angle cylinders. By controlling the flow paths through this intermediary device, the system can provide simultaneous actuation when needed for precise grade control while managing the hydraulic load to prevent excessive engine parasitic loads. The valve mediates between the power source and the two actuators, optimizing fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with a hydraulic actuation system controlled by electronic commands and pressure compensated valves. This substitution allows for more efficient power transmission and reduces the direct mechanical parasitic loads on the engine, as hydraulic systems can more efficiently transmit power over distances and allow for better load management through pressure regulation.
3Device complexity
If a single auxiliary port is used for hydraulic coupling, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously actuate multiple cylinders is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is segmented into different flow paths controlled by the diverter valve. Even with a single auxiliary port, the system divides the hydraulic flow into separate controllable paths that can direct fluid to either the tilt cylinder, the angle cylinder, or both simultaneously. This segmentation of the fluid flow path allows multiple actuation capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple single-port interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The single auxiliary port is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal interface that can supply hydraulic fluid to different actuators based on the diverter valve position. The same port can support single-actuator operation, dual-actuator simultaneous operation, or sequential operation, making it a universal connection point that adapts to different operational modes without requiring multiple separate ports or complex manifold structures.
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 enhances fuel efficiency and reduces engine load, enabling precise control of the dozer blade attachment in grade control applications by allowing simultaneous operation of tilt and angle hydraulic cylinders while maintaining a stable pressure and energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump delivering fluid through a plurality of flow paths coupled to one or more of a tilt hydraulic cylinder on the dozer blade attachment, and an angle hydraulic cylinder on the dozer blade attachment
Implementation Method 2
using a shuttle flow path and accumulator for energy management
Data Source
AI summary
A dozer blade attachment control system for a work machine comprises a dozer blade attachment coupled to the attachment coupler, a hydraulic circuit, and an electronic controller. The hydraulic circuit comprises a hydraulic pump, a diverter valve operable in a first position and second position, and a pressure compensated directional control valve. The electronic controller is communicatively coupled to the hydraulic circuit. The electronic circuit may modify the hydraulic circuit to one or more of a first configuration with the diverter valve in the first position for tilt, a second configuration with the diverter valve in the second position for angling, and a third configuration with the diverter valve in the second position and the pressure compensated directional control valve creating a shuttle flow path from a higher and a lower side of the hydraulic circuit for simultaneously tilting and angling.