Electro-Hydraulic Traction Drive With Selective Motor Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic drive systems for ground processing machines, such as ground compactors, face inefficiencies in the utilization of electrical energy due to the need for continuous operation of all hydraulic traction motors, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic drive system with a valve arrangement that allows selective activation and deactivation of hydraulic traction motors, increasing the pressure level for active motors to compensate for flow losses in inactive motors, thereby optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If all hydraulic traction motors are continuously operated to ensure sufficient drive torque, then the drive force requirement is met, but electrical energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independent hydraulic traction motors (at least two per drive roller), allowing selective operation of individual motors based on actual drive requirements. The control unit can activate only the necessary number of motors, dividing the total drive task among active motors rather than running all motors continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient drive torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by operating only the necessary subset of hydraulic traction motors required to meet the current drive torque demand, rather than running all motors at full capacity. When full drive capability is not needed, fewer motors are activated, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still providing adequate driving force for the ground processing machine.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the number of operating hydraulic traction motors is reduced to save energy, then electrical energy efficiency improves, but the drive torque may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts operating parameters (motor activation status, hydraulic fluid flow distribution) based on actual drive requirements. By changing the number of active motors and redistributing hydraulic flow, the system maintains sufficient drive torque while optimizing energy efficiency across varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors drive requirements and adjusts the operation of hydraulic traction motors accordingly, using feedback to balance energy efficiency with adequate drive torque generation.
3Force
If hydraulic traction motors are operated in parallel to provide sufficient drive torque, then the drive force requirement is met, but the pressure level in the hydraulic system decreases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydraulic system into separate circuits for different motors, the system can concentrate hydraulic flow and pressure into fewer active motors rather than distributing it across all motors in parallel. This segmentation allows maintaining high pressure levels in active motors even when total drive torque is provided by fewer units.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of distributing hydraulic power across all motors in parallel (which would reduce pressure), the system applies partial action by concentrating hydraulic flow into the necessary subset of active motors, achieving the required drive torque with higher pressure levels that improve hydraulic system efficiency.
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
The system enhances energy efficiency by selectively activating only necessary motors, increasing pressure for active motors, which overcompensates for energy losses in inactive motors, resulting in improved energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an increase in efficiency in hydraulic drive systems can be achieved if the pressure level of the hydraulic pressure is increased
Implementation Method 2
each fed in pairs or together with hydraulic fluid by one or more hydraulic traction pumps to generate a drive torque
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic drive system for a ground processing machine with at least one drive roller comprises at least one hydraulic traction pump (P1, P2) that can be driven by a drive electric motor (E1, E2) for conveying hydraulic fluid, at least two hydraulic traction motors (M1, M2, M3, M4) that are to be fed with hydraulic fluid by means of the at least one hydraulic traction pump (P1, P2), a valve arrangement (26), wherein the valve arrangement (26) comprises at least one switching valve unit (S1, S2, S3, S4) in association with each hydraulic traction motor (M1, M2, M3, M4), a control unit (28) for operating the valve arrangement (26) in such a way that in a basic drive state each hydraulic traction motor (M1, M2, M3, M4) is fed with hydraulic fluid from the at least one hydraulic traction pump (P1, P2) to generate a drive torque and in a high-pressure drive state at least one hydraulic traction motor (M1, M2, M3, M4) is not fed with hydraulic fluid from the at least one hydraulic traction pump (P1, P2) to generate a drive torque.