Electronic Latching Circuit for Hydraulic Down Force Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural work vehicles, such as tractors, face heat buildup and fuel consumption issues due to high-pressure hydraulic systems used in active down force systems, which can lead to overheating and starting difficulties, especially when equipped with marginal hydraulic cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A controlled active down force system with a hydraulic circuit that includes a load sense connection between implement rockshaft cylinders and a load-sensed power source, featuring an electronic latching function activated by pressure signals from pressure transducers, to manage hydraulic pressure and prevent pump flow during engine startup, thereby reducing heat generation and improving fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic pump operates at high pressure standby condition during activation of down force system, then the down force control function is achieved, but heat generation increases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic latching valve is activated in advance by a pressure signal from the pressure transducer before the pump reaches high pressure standby condition. This preliminary activation of the latching valve allows the system to transition to a lower pressure state proactively, preventing excessive heat generation while ensuring the down force control function is already established
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure transducer monitors the hydraulic pressure and provides feedback signals to the controller. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller activates the electronic latching valve to switch the pump from high pressure standby mode to a lower pressure operating mode, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining the required down force control function
2Reliability
If the hydraulic pump operates at high pressure standby condition, then the down force control function is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic latching valve is activated in advance by a pressure signal from the pressure transducer before the pump reaches high pressure standby condition. This preliminary activation allows the system to transition to a lower pressure state proactively, reducing fuel consumption while ensuring the down force control function is already established
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transducer provides continuous feedback on hydraulic pressure to the controller. When pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller activates the electronic latching valve to reduce pump pressure, thereby decreasing fuel consumption while maintaining the required down force control function through the latched state
3Reliability
If the load sense signal pressure is communicated to the tractor during engine startup, then the load-sensed power source can be activated, but tractor starting difficulties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic latching valve is designed to remain in a default closed state during engine startup, preventing load sense signal pressure from being communicated to the tractor before the engine is fully operational. After successful startup, the valve can be activated to enable load-sensed power source functionality, thereby eliminating starting difficulties while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hydraulic connection with an electronically controlled latching valve system. This electronic control mechanism allows selective activation of the load-sensed power source only after engine startup, preventing the harmful effect of pressure communication during startup while enabling the desired load-sensed functionality during operation
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 effectively minimizes heat buildup and fuel consumption by operating at lower pressures and powers, preventing overheating and ensuring smooth tractor starting, while allowing for controlled hydraulic fluid supply and pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic latching is activated by a pressure signal from a pressure transducer
Implementation Method 2
When a large flow of oil is required by the implement, such as required by the fan, during the high pressure standby condition a large amount of hydraulic energy must be dissipated by valves in the system. This energy dissipation generates a large amount of heat energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic circuit with electronic latching through valve assemblies to allow full control of ground engaging tools including raising, lowering, and providing regulated active down force pressure via a work vehicle valves with manual input while allowing a continuous pressure source to be used in parallel. Pressure transducers and electrically controlled valves along with an electric control circuit allow automatic switching between manual control and automatic control of the ground engaging tools.