Electro-hydraulic Auxiliary Mode Control for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines lack a flexible and efficient control system for operating auxiliary tools with hydraulic actuators, as they often require manual adjustment between proportional and continuous modes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with an auxiliary input device, an auxiliary mode selector, and an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit controlled by a controller unit that allows operators to select between proportional and continuous modes, ensuring the hydraulic actuator's flow output is proportional to displacement in the former and constant in the latter, matching the tool's operational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment between proportional and continuous modes is required, then the system can adapt to different tool requirements, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between proportional and continuous modes based on real-time detection of the auxiliary tool type. The controller automatically adjusts the electro-hydraulic circuit behavior to match the tool's operational requirements, eliminating manual mode selection and providing adaptive control that responds to the actual working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification of the auxiliary tool type and automatically selects the appropriate control mode without operator intervention. The controller detects whether the tool requires proportional or continuous mode operation and configures itself accordingly, making the system self-sufficient and reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a single control mode is used for all auxiliary tools, then the system is simpler to operate, but it cannot meet the specific requirements of different tool types
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the detected auxiliary tool type. When a proportional mode tool is detected, the system provides proportional flow control; when a continuous mode tool is detected, it provides constant flow control. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational simplicity for the user while achieving full tool compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters (flow characteristics) based on the auxiliary tool type. The controller modifies the electro-hydraulic circuit's flow control characteristics to match the tool's requirements, enabling a single system to accommodate different tool types by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring different hardware configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flow output is made proportional to displacement, then precise control is achieved for tools like clamshell buckets, but continuous operation at constant speed cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between proportional and continuous flow control modes depending on the auxiliary tool type. For precision tools like clamshell buckets, it provides proportional control for accurate positioning. For continuous operation tools, it switches to constant flow mode, enabling sustained operation at constant speed. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate control characteristic for each operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the flow control parameters based on the tool type and operational requirements. When precise control is needed, it adjusts the electro-hydraulic circuit to provide proportional flow; when continuous operation is required, it switches to constant flow parameters. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each specific application without compromise.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the flow output is made constant, then continuous operation at constant speed is achieved, but precise control for opening and dosing cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the flow control characteristics based on the auxiliary tool type. For tools requiring continuous operation, it provides constant flow control. For tools requiring precise positioning, it switches to proportional control. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for either continuous operation or precision control depending on the actual working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the electro-hydraulic circuit's flow control parameters to match the tool requirements. When continuous operation is needed, it sets constant flow parameters; when precision control is needed, it adjusts to proportional parameters. This flexible parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate control characteristic for each specific tool type and application.
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 enables operators to efficiently control auxiliary tools by selecting the appropriate mode based on the tool's type, enhancing operational precision and consistency, whether for precise tasks like opening a clamshell bucket or continuous operations like a rotary broom.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator of an auxiliary tool... the magnitude of flow outputted from the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit to the auxiliary tool is proportional to the displacement of the auxiliary input device
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine (10) comprises an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22) adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator (16) of an auxiliary tool (12) when the auxiliary tool (12) is attached to the work machine. The auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22) is electrically controlled by a controller unit (24) in a proportional mode or a continuous mode.