Hybrid Priority Valve With Electric-to-Hydraulic Load Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hydraulic distribution circuits for work vehicles are not suitable for new valve types that provide electric load signals, necessitating a solution to distribute fluid pressure among hydraulic elements based on their load while accommodating electric load sensing signals.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a conversion unit that receives electronic load sensing signals and produces equivalent hydraulic load signals, allowing for the use of standard hydraulic distribution circuits with minimal modifications by converting electric signals into hydraulic load sensing signals, utilizing an ECU, ON-OFF or proportional valves, and a pressure sensor to control fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hydraulic distribution circuits are used, then hydraulic control is maintained for steering and brakes, but the system cannot accommodate new valve types that provide electric load signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electric load sensing valvesVSAvoidhydraulic circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conversion unit as an intermediary component that receives electric load sensing signals from modern valves and converts them into equivalent hydraulic load signals. This mediator enables compatibility between new electric-sensing valves and traditional hydraulic distribution circuits without requiring complete system redesign, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion unit replaces the need for purely hydraulic signal generation by electric valves, using an electric-to-hydraulic conversion mechanism. The ECU-controlled valves and pressure sensor system substitute traditional hydraulic feedback mechanisms, allowing electric load signals to control hydraulic flow distribution while maintaining compatibility with existing hydraulic architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all elements are transformed to electrically-controlled, then electric load sensing is achieved, but hydraulic control for safety-critical components is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric load sensing capabilityVSAvoidhydraulic control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining hydraulic control specifically for safety-critical components (steering and brake units) while allowing electric control for auxiliary valves. The conversion unit enables selective signal conversion only where needed, preserving hydraulic actuation for critical functions while incorporating electric load sensing capabilities in non-critical areas, thus balancing adaptability with reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conversion unit is added, then compatibility with electric load sensing valves is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a signal converter and a control interface. The ECU integrates multiple functions including receiving electric load signals, controlling proportionally-adjustable valves, and managing pressure sensor feedback. This universal component approach consolidates multiple functions into single elements, reducing the net increase in system complexity while achieving signal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the integration of new electric-sensing units into existing hydraulic systems with reduced complexity, cost, and noise, maintaining hydraulic control for critical components like steering and brakes, and allowing for efficient fluid distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor (12d) electrically connected to the ECU (17) and fluidly connected to the conduit (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

at least a valve (21, 22) electrically connected to the ECU (17) and configured to control a flow of fluid coming from the conduit (8), into the conversion unit (15), towards the drain (25)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve actuation: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11820445B2Hydraulic arrangement for hybrid priority valve

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A hydraulic arrangement for distributing a fluid in pressure coming from a source among multiple hydraulic units of a work vehicle. At least one of the hydraulic units provides an electronic load sensing signal and of the hydraulic units provides a hydraulic load sensing signal. The hydraulic arrangement includes a priority valve configured to divide the flow of fluid between the hydraulic units. The priority valve and source are hydraulically controlled by a first hydraulic load sensing signal resulting as the greatest of a plurality of hydraulic load pressure signals taken from the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic arrangement also includes a conversion unit configured to transform an electronic load sensing signal of at least one of the hydraulic units in an equivalent hydraulic load sensing signal so as to define the first hydraulic load sensing signal.