Flow Regulating Valves for Hydraulic Boom Equalizing Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic arrangements for hydraulically actuated booms in work machines, such as excavators, do not adequately control uncontrolled downward rotation in case of equalizing hydraulic line failure, posing safety risks to operators.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of flow regulating valves on the equalizing hydraulic line to control and limit hydraulic fluid flow, preventing uncontrolled boom movement by adjusting flow rates and pressure balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If flow restrictors with larger diameter are used in the equalizing hydraulic line, then pressure equilibration between hydraulic lines is faster, but the ability to damp downward rotation in case of line failure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically controllable flow regulation valve instead of a fixed diameter flow restrictor. The valve can adjust its opening degree based on operational conditions: maintaining a larger effective opening during normal operation for fast pressure equilibration, and automatically restricting flow in case of line failure to damp uncontrolled boom movement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow restriction parameter from a fixed physical dimension (restrictor diameter) to a controllable parameter (valve opening degree). By using a flow regulation valve, the effective flow area can be dynamically modified based on system needs, allowing optimization of both pressure equilibration speed and safety damping capability under different operational states.
2Reliability
If flow restrictors with smaller diameter are used in the equalizing hydraulic line, then downward rotation damping in case of line failure is improved, but pressure equilibration between hydraulic lines becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation valve provides dynamic control, allowing the system to switch between different flow restriction levels. During normal operation, the valve maintains an opening that enables fast pressure equilibration. Upon detecting line failure, it automatically restricts flow to provide damping, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the fixed flow restriction parameter into a dynamically adjustable one. The flow regulation valve can modify its effective opening degree to optimize performance: larger opening for fast equilibration during normal operation, smaller effective opening for safety damping during failure conditions.
3Device complexity
If fixed diameter flow restrictors are used in the equalizing hydraulic line, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed flow restrictors with a dynamically controllable flow regulation valve. This allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions by adjusting the valve opening degree, optimizing both pressure equilibration speed and safety damping capability as needed, thereby significantly improving system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulation valve serves multiple functions: it enables fast pressure equilibration during normal operation, provides safety damping in case of line failure, and allows adaptive control under various operational conditions. This multi-functionality compensates for the increased component complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single versatile component.
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
Enhances safety and dynamic performance by restricting fluid flow in case of line rupture, meeting stricter safety standards and reducing pressure losses, thus preventing uncontrollable boom drops.
Implementation Method 1
In addition, the equalizing hydraulic line 30 is provided with flow regulating valves 32, which are adapted to control the flow of hydraulic fluid within the same equalizing hydraulic line 30.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hydraulic arrangement (4) for a hydraulically actuated boom of a work machine (1) comprising a body carrying the boom and a pair of boom actuators (3) configured to rotate the boom with respect to the body; the hydraulic arrangement (4) is fluidly connected to the boom actuators (3) and is configured to actuate the boom actuators (3) to rotate the boom; the hydraulic arrangement (4) comprises: a valve assembly (6) operatively interposed between a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid (7) and the boom actuators (3); first hydraulic lines (8) fluidly connecting the valve assembly (6) with a first end (3a) of the boom actuators (3); second hydraulic lines (10) fluidly connecting said valve assembly (6) with a second end (3b) of the boom actuators (3), opposite to the first end (3a); an equalizing hydraulic line (30) fluidly connecting the first hydraulic lines (8) to each other, upstream the boom actuators (3); and at least one flow regulating valve (32) arranged along the equalizing hydraulic line (30) and configured to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid within the equalizing hydraulic line (30).