Electronic Controller Snubbing Valve Actuator End of Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically actuated work machine systems experience disruptions due to end of stroke effects, leading to pressure spikes and unpredictable motion, which compromise operation efficiency and control, especially in delicate tasks like grading or soil handling, as existing solutions either limit actuator range or fail to address effects across multiple actuators.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller senses the stroke condition of one actuator and uses an adjustable snubbing valve to control fluid flow and pressure to other actuators, reducing pressure spikes and allowing smoother operation by gradually managing fluid flow changes as an actuator approaches its end of stroke, thereby maintaining control and efficiency across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators ease off linkage controls prior to actuator reaching end of stroke, then end of stroke effects are avoided, but range of motion and operational efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic control system that automatically manages fluid flow to actuators. The electronic controller monitors actuator position and adjusts valve control signals to prevent pressure spikes, eliminating the need for operators to manually ease off controls while maintaining full range of motion and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through position sensors that continuously monitor actuator stroke position. This feedback is fed to the electronic controller, which adjusts fluid flow control in real-time to prevent end-of-stroke pressure spikes, enabling full range of motion without compromising operational stability.
2Reliability
If spring or cushion is positioned internally in hydraulic cylinder, then pressure spikes are attenuated, but ability to abruptly stop actuator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the electronic controller adjusts valve control signals based on real-time actuator position feedback. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide cushioning during normal operation while enabling abrupt stopping when needed, offering adaptability that fixed mechanical cushions cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical cushions with an electronically controlled fluid flow management system. This substitution allows the system to adaptively control actuator deceleration, providing both pressure spike attenuation and the capability for abrupt stopping through electronic valve control.
3Reliability
If hydraulic fluid flow to actuator is slowed using electronic control, then pressure spikes are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller serves multiple functions: it monitors actuator position, determines stroke conditions, generates appropriate valve control signals, and manages fluid flow to multiple actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving pressure spike reduction.
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 effectively reduces unwanted lurching and jerking, enabling continuous control of multiple actuators and maximizing the range of motion during operations like grading, even with less skilled operators, by smoothing fluid flow transitions and preventing sudden pressure spikes.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable snubbing valve to control fluid flow and pressure to other actuators, reducing pressure spikes
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump powered by an internal combustion engine or other power source and a plurality of hydraulic actuators. Fluid pressurized by the pump may be delivered to or evacuated from the respective actuators
Implementation Method 3
as an actuator reaches an end of its stroke, fluid flow to or from the actuator can suddenly halt as the actuator piston contacts the end of its cylinder housing. This sudden cessation of fluid flow can affect other components of the hydraulic system, similar to the 'water hammer' effect common in plumbing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a work machine includes moving a work implement via a first actuator having a range of motion, and ameliorating an end of stroke effect on a second actuator if an end of stroke condition of the first actuator is sensed. A work machine includes an electronic controller having software control logic for sensing a stroke condition of an actuator in a work implement system, and for ameliorating an end of stroke effect on a hydraulic actuator of the work implement system if an end of stroke condition of a first actuator is sensed.