Dual Hydraulic Pump Merging Circuit for Selectable Flow Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple pump hydraulic systems for vehicles are inefficient due to their inability to dynamically switch between combined and separate flow modes, leading to reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multiple pump hydraulic system with a primary and secondary pump that can operate in combined and separate flow modes, allowing user-selectable switching based on vehicle usage, and includes advanced load sense and crossover control mechanisms for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a multiple pump hydraulic system operates in fixed flow mode, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system implements dynamic mode switching between combined flow and separate flow operations. A mode selection valve allows the system to transition between different operational configurations based on load requirements, enabling the pumps to work together or independently as needed, thus improving operational efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through controlled dynamics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If pumps operate independently in separate flow mode, then system adaptability improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidfuel economy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts pump operation mode based on actual hydraulic demands. When high adaptability is needed, separate flow mode allows independent pump operation; when energy efficiency is prioritized and combined power is sufficient, the system switches to combined flow mode, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability for adaptable operation when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If dual pump system operates without mode switching, then system reliability improves, but operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system incorporates a mode selection mechanism that allows switching between combined and separate flow modes. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different operational scenarios (improving flexibility) while maintaining the redundancy and reliability of dual pump operation, as the system can select the appropriate mode based on actual needs without compromising the fundamental reliability of having two pumps available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4187107B1Hydraulic system with dual pump and merging circuit
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP4187107B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4187107B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4187107B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems (122) and apparatuses include a primary hydraulic pump (126) including a primary displacement actuator and a primary pressure port (138), a primary load sense system (142) fluidly coupled to the primary displacement actuator, a secondary hydraulic pump (130) including a secondary displacement actuator and a secondary pressure port (154), a secondary load sense system (158) fluidly coupled to the secondary displacement actuator, and a crossover pressure controller (178) coupled between the primary pressure port (138) and the secondary pressure port (154) and including: a selectively energizable crossover pressure solenoid, and a crossover pressure spool movable by the crossover pressure solenoid between a combined pressure position providing fluid communication between the primary pressure port (138) and the secondary pressure port (154), and a separate pressure position inhibiting fluid communication between the primary pressure port (138) and the secondary pressure port (154).