Hydraulic Accumulator Backup for Utility Vehicle Pump Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles with hydraulic steering and braking systems face challenges in maintaining hydraulic supply when the hydraulic high-pressure pump fails, as existing solutions like electrically operated auxiliary pumps are expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hydraulic pump adjustable via a pressure control inlet, a pressure accumulator, and valves for charging and discharging hydraulic fluid, allowing for a redundant hydraulic supply with minimal additional expenditure, enabling continued operation of essential systems during pump failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrically operated auxiliary pump is used to provide redundant hydraulic supply, then the hydraulic consumers can continue to be operated during pump failure, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator is pre-charged with hydraulic fluid during normal operation when the main pump is functioning. This preliminary action stores energy in advance so that when the pump fails, the accumulator can immediately provide the necessary hydraulic pressure without requiring an expensive electric auxiliary pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure accumulator acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the main hydraulic pump and the hydraulic consumers. It mediates the transition from pump-driven hydraulic supply to stored-pressure-driven supply during failure conditions, eliminating the need for complex electric auxiliary pumping systems.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the pressure accumulator is charged to maximum pressure, then sufficient energy is stored for extended operation during pump failure, but the charging time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure accumulator is charged periodically during normal pump operation rather than continuously. The charging occurs in regular cycles when the pump is operating, allowing the accumulator to be replenished over time without requiring dedicated charging time that would interrupt vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump continues its useful action of supplying hydraulic fluid to consumers while simultaneously charging the pressure accumulator. This continuous dual function ensures the accumulator is replenished during normal operation without requiring separate charging cycles that would cause operational interruptions.
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 device ensures continued operation of hydraulic consumers, such as steering and braking systems, for a limited period by storing hydraulic energy in a pressure accumulator, allowing safe vehicle maneuvering and parking, even in the event of hydraulic pump failure, at a lower additional cost.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure accumulator that can be charged from the hydraulic circuit via a check valve
Implementation Method 2
a check valve, a pressure connection between the hydraulic circuit and the pressure control inlet of the hydraulic pump being producible via a sensor line by means of a charging valve
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic pump, which is adjustable in terms of its delivery volume via a pressure control inlet, for feeding hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for maintaining a hydraulic supply of a utility vehicle includes a hydraulic pump, which is adjustable in terms of its delivery volume via a pressure control inlet, for feeding hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit, a pressure accumulator that can be charged from the hydraulic circuit via a check valve, a pressure connection between the hydraulic circuit and the pressure control inlet of the hydraulic pump being producible via a sensor line by means of a charging valve, and a supply connection between the pressure accumulator and the hydraulic circuit being producible by means of a discharging valve, by virtue of the check valve being bypassed.