Electrohydraulic Pendulum Axle Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for controlling pendulum axles in mobile work machines are inefficient due to high installation effort, susceptibility to environmental conditions, and residual play in the locked state, which affects functional safety and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained electrohydraulic blocking device with a cylinder arrangement and control valves that can be electrically activated, eliminating the need for hydraulic connection to the on-board hydraulics, allowing for direct electrical control and reduced hydraulic fluid usage, thereby enhancing rigidity and insensitivity to environmental influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional hydraulic systems are used to control pendulum axles, then the system can provide hydraulic support, but the installation effort is high and the system is susceptible to environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation effortVSAvoidfunctional reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic control system with an electrohydraulic system where electric motors drive the hydraulic cylinders. This substitution eliminates complex hydraulic connections and reduces installation effort while improving reliability by reducing susceptibility to environmental conditions such as contamination and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrohydraulic system is designed to be self-contained, with the electric motors and control units integrated directly into the pendulum axle assembly. This self-service design reduces dependency on external hydraulic infrastructure and minimizes installation complexity while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If hydraulic connections to on-board hydraulics are used, then the system can utilize existing hydraulic infrastructure, but the system becomes susceptible to environmental influences and requires more installation effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic connection complexityVSAvoidenvironmental susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the hydraulic system into independent units, with each pendulum axle equipped with its own electrohydraulic control components. This segmentation isolates each axle from environmental influences and eliminates the need for complex connections to the central on-board hydraulic system, thereby reducing both device complexity and environmental susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electric motors as intermediary components between the control system and the hydraulic cylinders. This intermediary approach replaces direct hydraulic connections with electrical control, reducing the complexity of hydraulic infrastructure integration while protecting the system from environmental factors that affect hydraulic fluid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional locking devices are used, then the pendulum axle can be blocked, but residual play remains affecting functional safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidfunctional safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electrohydraulic cylinders with precise electronic control to achieve locking of the pendulum axle. The hydraulic system provides controlled force application through the piston mechanism, enabling firm locking without residual play. The electrohydraulic control ensures precise positioning and eliminates the mechanical clearances present in conventional locking devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical linkage to electrohydraulic pressure control. By controlling the hydraulic pressure through electric motors and control valves, the system achieves precise adjustment of the locking force, eliminating residual play and improving functional safety while maintaining ease of operation through electrical control signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution significantly reduces installation effort, improves functional reliability, and achieves a rigid locking with minimal play, ensuring stable operation and resistance to environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

a first cylinder (56) and a second cylinder (58), each assigned to one side of a pendulum axle (40), with a first control valve (66), which is assigned to the first cylinder (56), and a second control valve (68), which is assigned to the second cylinder (58)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3213941B1Device for controlling a pendulum axle, pendulum assembly and mobile working machine with at least one pendulum axle
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 BUCHER HYDRAULICS ERDING GMBH
  • EP3213941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3213941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3213941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a device (60) for controlling a pendulum axis (40) of a mobile working machine (10, 30), comprising a cylinder arrangement (61) for receiving between the pendulum axis (40) and a frame (12, 32) of the working machine (10, 30), which has a first lifting chamber (94) and a second lifting chamber (96), a first control valve (66) associated with the first lifting chamber (94), a second control valve (68) associated with the second lifting chamber (96), a fluid line (70) connecting the first lifting chamber (94) and the second lifting chamber (96), and a control device (62) that can be connected, preferably electrically, to the first control valve (66) and the second control valve (68) for control purposes, wherein the cylinder arrangement (61), the control valves (66, 68) and the fluid line form a self-contained hydraulic system (72), and wherein the Control valves (66, 68) can be activated via the control unit (62),to block or release the pendulum axle (40). The disclosure further relates to a pendulum axle assembly and a mobile working machine (10, 30).