Electronic Traction Control Using Digital Displacement Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple wheel hydraulic drive systems face issues with wheel slipping and dragging, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, and current solutions like hydraulic combiner/divider valves and variable displacement pumps are either costly or require expensive speed sensors and introduce inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An electronic traction control system utilizing digital displacement hydraulic pumps, counterbalance valves, and electric flow control valves, managed by a system controller that adjusts fluid flow to prevent slipping and dragging, eliminating the need for wheel speed sensors and maintaining an open circuit for efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic combiner/divider valves are used for traction control, then wheel slipping and dragging are addressed, but the system generates excessive heat and requires operator intervention that may be unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic combiner/divider valve system with an electronic control system using solenoid valves and a microprocessor controller. This substitution eliminates the need for high pressure drops that generate heat in mechanical C/D valves, while providing automated electronic control instead of manual operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using electronically controlled solenoid valves that can precisely modulate flow based on wheel speed sensor feedback. This allows traction control to function at lower, safer pressure levels compared to traditional high-pressure hydraulic C/D valves, reducing heat generation while maintaining effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If variable displacement pumps with speed sensors are used, then accurate traction control is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive wheel speed sensors (such as magnetic pickup sensors with teeth on the wheel hub) instead of expensive variable displacement pumps with integrated sensors. These simple sensors provide sufficient measurement precision for traction control at a fraction of the cost of variable displacement pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it controls traction by modulating hydraulic flow to individual wheels, monitors wheel speed through simple sensors, and manages the hydraulic pump operation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for expensive dedicated variable displacement pumps with built-in sensing capabilities.
3Reliability
If closed circuit hydraulic systems are used, then traction control is improved, but pressure drops and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a closed circuit system where fluid is recirculated through the motors, the patent employs an open circuit system with separate flow control valves for each wheel. This inversion of the circuit topology allows independent flow modulation to each motor without the pressure drops and inefficiencies inherent in closed circuit recirculation systems.
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 provides accurate traction control without wheel slipping or dragging, reduces operational costs, and minimizes heat generation, ensuring reliable and efficient performance in various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of digital displacement hydraulic pumps
Implementation Method 2
counterbalance valves and motors that actuate wheels
Implementation Method 3
an electric flow control valve for each drive assembly and the steering mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic traction control system for a vehicle having multiple hydraulic driven wheels includes a plurality of digital displacement pumps, a plurality of drive systems having counterbalance valves and motors used to drive wheels, and electronic flow control valves used in association with each drive assembly. Additionally the system has a steering mechanism that is electrically connected to a digital sensor and a proportional sensor that sends signals to a system controller that operates the functioning of the digital displacement hydraulic pumps.