E-Machine Calibration for Hydraulic Fluid Degradation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in off-highway applications suffer from leakage due to high pressure and mechanical design, leading to reduced uptime and productivity, which can be mitigated by using electronic machines (e-machines) to improve efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with an electronic machine (e-machine) and processing circuitry that generates calibration data at different times to determine fluid degradation by comparing differences exceeding a threshold, allowing for the detection of fluid degradation and leakage without external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic systems use high pressure and mechanical design, then power transmission capability is improved, but leakage occurs leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hydraulic drive with an electronic machine (e-machine) drive system. The e-machine converts electrical energy to mechanical energy to drive the hydraulic pump, eliminating the need for mechanical power transmission through hydraulic fluid. This substitution resolves the leakage problem while maintaining power transmission capability, as the e-machine directly couples the prime mover to the pump without requiring high-pressure fluid coupling.
2Device complexity
If traditional hydraulic systems are used, then simplicity of design is maintained, but leakage leads to reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic machine (motor or generator) to replace the traditional mechanical hydraulic transmission system. This e-machine is coupled to the prime mover and hydraulic pump, providing direct drive capability. The substitution eliminates leakage-related downtime and productivity losses while the integrated control system manages the transition, maintaining overall system simplicity despite the technological upgrade.
3Measurement precision
If calibration data is monitored over time, then fluid degradation detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the e-machine's own operational data (current, voltage, speed, torque) to monitor hydraulic fluid degradation. The control system continuously compares actual e-machine performance against calibrated baseline data, automatically detecting deviations that indicate fluid degradation or leakage. This self-monitoring approach improves detection capability without requiring external sensors or complex additional monitoring equipment, as the e-machine serves its own diagnostic needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining fluid degradation includes a memory and processing circuitry configured to cause the device to generate first calibration data of an e-machine at a first time, generate second calibration data of the e-machine at a second time subsequent to the first time, and determine that the fluid is degraded in response to a difference between the first calibration data and the second calibration data being greater than or equal to a degradation threshold.