Drivetrain Lubrication Control Using Active-State Hydraulic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional work vehicle hydraulic systems operate continuously, leading to unnecessary energy consumption due to their design to provide maximum lubrication capacity in demanding situations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with independent control of lubrication, utilizing state sensors to determine the operating state of drivetrain components and a variable flow conditioning hydraulic fluid source, allowing for selective flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid only to actively operating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lubrication system operates continuously to provide maximum lubrication capacity, then the system ensures adequate lubrication in demanding situations, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic conditional operation. The controller dynamically adjusts the operation state of the lubrication pump and control valves based on real-time operating conditions of drivetrain components, enabling the system to adapt its lubrication capacity to actual needs and reduce energy consumption during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using state sensors to monitor the operating states of drivetrain components and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller processes this feedback signals and adjusts the lubrication system operation accordingly, ensuring adequate lubrication when needed while minimizing energy consumption when drivetrain components are inactive.
2Reliability
If the lubrication system is sized for maximum capacity, then it can handle demanding situations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independently controllable branches, each serving specific drivetrain components. Control valves are placed in each branch to independently regulate or shut off lubrication flow to individual components based on their operating states, allowing the system to maintain maximum capacity capability while reducing actual operation complexity through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both high-demand and low-demand operating conditions. The same system infrastructure (pump, manifold, valves) serves multiple functions: providing full lubrication capacity when needed, reducing flow to active components only, and minimizing energy consumption during idle periods, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If conditioning hydraulic fluid flows continuously to all drivetrain components, then all components are adequately lubricated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system applies local quality control by directing conditioning hydraulic fluid selectively to specific drivetrain components based on their individual operating states. Control valves in each branch enable localized regulation of fluid flow, ensuring that only actively operating components receive lubrication while inactive components are excluded, thereby reducing overall energy consumption of the hydraulic 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
This approach reduces energy consumption by minimizing lubrication fluid flow when it is not needed, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and extending the battery life in electric-powered vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A variable flow conditioning hydraulic fluid source provides conditioning hydraulic fluid under pressure
Implementation Method 2
A control manifold includes a plurality of control valves, each of the control valves being configured to control flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 3
provide flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid to lubricate and cool any of the drivetrain components
Implementation Method 4
provide flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid to lubricate and cool any of the drivetrain components which are in an active operating state
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle drivetrain components, a plurality of state sensors and a variable flow conditioning hydraulic fluid source. A control manifold includes a plurality of control valves to control flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid to the plurality of drivetrain components to lubricate and cool the drivetrain components. A controller receives the state signals and is configured to selectively open one or more of the control valves at least in part in response to the one or more of the state signals to provide flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid to lubricate and cool any of the drivetrain components which are in an active operating state and to close one or more of the control valves to reduce or prevent flow of conditioning hydraulic fluid to any of the drivetrain components which are not in an active operating state.