Electrohydraulic Power Machine Immobilization Through Electric Power Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power machines require an initialization routine by the operator to enable certain functions, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased power consumption due to the need for hydraulic components to prevent function enablement until the routine is completed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electro-hydraulic system powered by an electric power source, utilizing a controller to manage power distribution to actuators based on operator engagement, thereby enabling function enablement while reducing or eliminating hydraulic components typically required for initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic components (valves) are used to prevent function enablement until initialization, then function immobilization is achieved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic valve-based mechanical immobilization system with an electric control system. The controller electronically controls the electric power source to prevent power delivery to actuators until initialization is complete, eliminating the need for hydraulic enablement valves and associated mechanical components. This substitution reduces both power consumption and device complexity while maintaining reliable function immobilization.
2Reliability
If hydraulic components (valves) are used to prevent function enablement until initialization, then function immobilization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic enablement valves and associated mechanical components by implementing an electronic control system. The controller receives signals from operator engagement sensors and electronically controls the electric power source, thereby removing the need for complex hydraulic valve assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable function immobilization.
3Reliability
If hydraulic components are used for initialization control, then function enablement control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive hydraulic valve assemblies with more cost-effective electronic components. The controller and electric power source control system uses standard electronic parts and control circuitry, which are generally less expensive and easier to manufacture than precision hydraulic valves and associated sealing components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable function enablement control.
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
Achieves improved immobilization of power machine functions until initialization is complete, reducing power consumption and simplifying hydraulic systems by using an electric powertrain energy cut-off instead of conventional hydraulic enablement valves.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power source (420) supported by the frame and configured to provide a power source output; a power conversion system (430) coupled to the power source and configured to receive the power source output and to utilize the power source output to provide power signals (432) to the at least one actuator (440)
Data Source
AI summary
Power machines having an electric power source and a controller configured to provide improved immobilization of power machine functions when an operator is not present or properly positioned within an operator station or compartment of the power machine.