Electrohydraulic Actuator System for Snow Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snow removal systems face performance issues due to bulkiness and suboptimal operation in cold weather conditions when using hydraulic controls to manage multiple actuators simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An electro-hydraulic system with a controller in electrical communication with actuators, a user interface, and input regulators enhances the operation of snow-removal components by providing efficient, reliable control through electrical data signals, reducing bulkiness and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hydraulic controls are used to manage multiple actuators, then control functionality is provided, but the system becomes bulky and experiences hindered performance when operating multiple actuators simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidbulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional hydraulic control systems with an electro-hydraulic system that uses electrical data signals (CAN bus communication) to control hydraulic actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical linkages and hydraulic control valves in the cab, reducing volume while maintaining control functionality through electronic controllers and sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional hydraulic controls are used to manage multiple actuators, then control functionality is provided, but performance is hindered when operating multiple actuators simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidmulti-actuator performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electro-hydraulic system replaces mechanical control linkages with electrical signals that can be processed and distributed simultaneously to multiple actuators without mechanical interference, enabling improved multi-actuator performance through electronic control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions by managing various actuators (plow, spreader, conveyor) through a single integrated control unit that processes commands from the user interface and coordinates their operation, enabling universal control of multiple snow removal functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional hydraulic controls are used, then control functionality is provided, but suboptimal performance is experienced in extremely cold weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcold weather performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional hydraulic controls with an electro-hydraulic system where electrical components (sensors, controllers, communication buses) are used instead of purely mechanical linkages. Electrical systems are less susceptible to cold weather degradation than mechanical hydraulic systems, improving reliability in extreme cold conditions while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11459716B2Electrohydraulic actuator system for snow-removal components

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 BOSCH REXROTH CANADA CORP

AI summary

An electrohydraulic system configured to operate a number of snow-removal components associated with a vehicle. The electrohydraulic system may comprise a controller, a number of actuators in electrical communication with the controller, a user interface in electrical communication with the controller, and a number of input regulators operable to regulate the control of the actuators.