Fluid System Valve Arrangement for Adaptive Ride Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-setting ride control systems for load carrying machines require additional components and increased costs to accommodate varying load conditions, while single-setting systems are optimized for specific loads, lacking flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a cylinder having two chambers and an accumulator, controlled by a first valve arrangement that can selectively connect or disconnect the chambers to an accumulator and a low-pressure area, allowing for adjustable damping and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accumulators with varying volumes and pre-charges are used to create multi-setting ride control systems, then adaptability to different load conditions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different damping characteristics by changing the valve arrangement position, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt to different load conditions. The valve arrangement can connect different chambers to the accumulator in different positions, effectively creating variable ride control without multiple accumulators
Solution Approach 2:
A single accumulator serves multiple functions by being connected to different cylinder chambers through the valve arrangement in different positions. The same accumulator provides damping for both lifting and lowering operations, as well as for different load conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized accumulators
2Ease of operation
If multiple accumulators with varying volumes and pre-charges are used to create multi-setting ride control systems, then operator comfort is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamically adjustable ride control characteristics through valve position changes, enabling optimal operator comfort for different operating conditions without the high cost of multiple accumulators with varying specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective damping parameters by switching valve positions, which alters the fluid flow paths and accumulator connections. This allows the same hardware to provide different levels of ride control suitable for various load conditions, maintaining operator comfort while reducing cost
3Device complexity
If a single-setting ride control system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying load conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement enables dynamic reconfiguration of the fluid circuit, allowing a single accumulator system to adapt its damping characteristics for different load conditions such as traveling with full or empty bucket, effectively providing multi-setting functionality with single-setting hardware
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accumulators are used in multi-setting systems, then ride damping suitability for different load conditions is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single accumulator is designed to serve multiple ride control functions through the valve arrangement, which directs fluid flow to provide appropriate damping for different load conditions. This eliminates the need for multiple accumulators occupying different spaces while maintaining ride damping suitability across various operating scenarios
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 adaptable ride control by adjusting fluid connections to the accumulator and low-pressure area, enhancing operator comfort and reducing costs by minimizing additional components, while maintaining effective damping across different load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator, and a first valve arrangement fluidly connected to the first and second chambers
Implementation Method 2
The first valve arrangement is configured to in a first position fluidly connect the first chamber to both the accumulator and the second chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A fluid system (16) is disclosed for selectively fluidly connecting a first chamber (18) of a cylinder (14) to an accumulator (42) such that in a first position of a valve arrangement (26) the first chamber (18) is fluidly connected both to the accumulator (42) and a second chamber (20) of the cylinder (14). In a second position of the first valve arrangement (26) the first chamber (18) is fluidly connected only with the accumulator (42). In a third position of the first valve arrangement (26), the first chamber (18) is connected neither with the accumulator (42) nor with the second chamber (20). Further disclosed is a machine (10) provided with such fluid system and a method of operating such machine (10).