Hydraulic Adjusting Device for Three-Point Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems for transverse adjustment of lower links in three-point power lifts on agricultural machines require multiple electrical control signals, making them complex and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic actuating device with a pressure control device and a pressure-controlled switching valve that allows for selective control of two hydraulic cylinders using only a few electrical control signals, enabling transverse and width adjustments of the lower links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical control signals are used to control hydraulic cylinders for transverse adjustment, then the adjustment functions (transverse and width) are achieved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure-controlled switching valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both transverse adjustment and width adjustment of the lower links through a single valve mechanism. The valve can switch between different circuit configurations based on pressure levels, enabling one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses different pressure levels (first pressure level for transverse adjustment, second pressure level for width adjustment) to control the switching valve's position. By changing the pressure parameter, a single electrical control signal can achieve different adjustment functions, eliminating the need for multiple independent control signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple electrical control signals are used for hydraulic cylinder control, then precise cylinder positioning is achieved, but the number of required electrical signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecylinder positioning precisionVSAvoidnumber of electrical control signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Hydraulic pressure serves as an intermediary between the single electrical control signal and the hydraulic cylinders. The pressure control device converts the electrical signal into controlled pressure levels, which then actuate the switching valve to achieve precise cylinder positioning. This intermediary mechanism allows one electrical signal to control multiple cylinders with precision without requiring multiple independent electrical signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic pressure control to replace electrical control signals. The pressure control device and pressure-controlled switching valve use hydraulic principles to translate a single electrical signal into multiple distinct pressure states, each corresponding to a specific cylinder positioning mode, thereby reducing the quantity of electrical signals needed while maintaining positioning precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution simplifies the control of hydraulic cylinders, allowing for transverse and width adjustments of the lower links with a single electrical control signal, thereby reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the control circuit has a pressure control device for generating an adjustable control pressure as a function of an electrical control signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a pressure-controlled switching valve connected to the pressure control device, which valve assumes a first switching position when a first control pressure value is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-controlled valve switching: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4275465B1Hydraulic adjusting device
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 WEBER HYDRAULIK GMBH(DE)
  • EP4275465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4275465B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4275465B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a hydraulic adjustment device, particularly for the lateral adjustment of the lower links of a three-point linkage on an agricultural machine with two selectively controllable hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic control circuit for controlling the hydraulic cylinders, the control circuit includes a pressure regulating device for generating an adjustable control pressure depending on an electrical control signal and a pressure-controlled switching valve connected to the pressure regulating device. When a first control pressure value is applied, the switching valve assumes a first switching position in which the first of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to a pressure sink and the second hydraulic cylinder to a pressure source. When a second control pressure value, which is higher than the first control pressure value, is applied, the valve assumes a second switching position.in which the first hydraulic cylinder is connected to the pressure source and the second hydraulic cylinder is connected to the pressure sink.