Electro-hydraulic Auxiliary Control for Constant Flow Setpoint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines lack an efficient method to control the flow setpoint for auxiliary tools with onboard hydraulic actuators, limiting continuous and proportional operation modes, which affects the consistent speed and efficiency of auxiliary tools like clamshell buckets and rotary brooms.
Innovation Solution
A work machine system comprising an operator interface, an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit, and a controller unit that communicates to receive flow setpoint signals from the operator interface, allowing for continuous operation of auxiliary tools at a substantially constant speed by controlling the flow output to the hydraulic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional hydraulic control systems are used for auxiliary tools, then the system structure is simple, but the auxiliary tools cannot operate at a substantially constant speed and lack continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hydraulic control with an electro-hydraulic control system. The controller unit receives electrical setpoint signals from the operator interface and converts them into hydraulic control signals, enabling precise electronic control of flow rate to achieve substantially constant speed operation of auxiliary tools while maintaining hydraulic power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable flow rate control by changing the electrical setpoint parameter through the operator interface. The controller unit adjusts the hydraulic flow rate based on the selected flow mode (continuous, proportional, or variable), allowing the auxiliary tool to operate at substantially constant speed or at variable speeds according to operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow rate is varied for auxiliary tool operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but maintaining constant speed and continuous operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a dynamic control system that can adapt between different operation modes (continuous, proportional, variable) based on operational needs. The controller unit dynamically adjusts the hydraulic flow rate in response to electrical setpoint signals, enabling the system to maintain substantially constant speed when required or to vary speed for different task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system where the controller unit receives electrical setpoint signals from the operator interface and continuously adjusts the hydraulic flow rate to achieve the desired operation mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the auxiliary tool operates at substantially constant speed in continuous mode or at controlled variable speeds in proportional and variable modes.
3Ease of operation
If operator interface is added for flow setpoint selection, then operator control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operator interface as an intermediary between the operator and the electro-hydraulic control system. This interface allows the operator to select flow modes and adjust flow setpoints through electrical signals, providing intuitive control capability while the controller unit handles the complex conversion and adjustment of these signals to 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
Enables operators to select and maintain a constant flow rate for auxiliary tools, ensuring continuous operation at a consistent speed, improving operational efficiency and versatility across various auxiliary tools.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator of an auxiliary tool when the auxiliary tool is attached to the work machine
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine (10) comprises an operator interface (30), an auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) adapted to operate a hydraulic actuator (16) of an auxiliary tool (12) when the auxiliary tool (12) is attached to the work machine (10), and a controller unit (24) that communicates with the operator interface (30) and the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322). The controller unit (24) is adapted to receive from the operator interface (30) an electrical setpoint signal representative of a flow setpoint selected by an operator via the operator interface (30), and electrically operate the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) so as to output flow from the auxiliary electro-hydraulic circuit (22 or 322) to the auxiliary tool (12) at a substantially constant magnitude represented by the flow setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.