Hydraulic Circuit Switching Between Fixed and Variable Flow Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic circuits face inefficiencies in operating hydraulic implements due to the inability to precisely regulate flow rates at low speeds, particularly with fixed displacement pumps, which affects energy efficiency across varying load handling and precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit design that incorporates a hydraulic displacement unit connected to both a fixed displacement hydraulic machine and a variable displacement hydraulic pump, driven by separate power sources, including an electric machine and motor, with a control unit to selectively switch between power sources based on flow rate demands, ensuring efficient operation across different flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed displacement hydraulic machine is used, then the system operates efficiently at high flow rates, but the flow rate cannot be precisely regulated at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate power sources: a fixed displacement hydraulic machine for high flow rate operations and a variable displacement hydraulic pump for low flow rate operations. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance range, with the control unit selecting the appropriate power source based on the required flow rate and precision demands.
2Measurement precision
If a variable displacement hydraulic pump is used, then the flow rate can be precisely controlled at low speeds, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions by automatically selecting between the fixed displacement hydraulic machine and the variable displacement hydraulic pump based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise low-speed flow control without permanently incorporating complex variable displacement mechanisms throughout the entire hydraulic system.
3Loss of energy
If separate power sources are used for fixed and variable displacement machines, then the system can operate efficiently across different flow rates, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its power source configuration based on real-time operational demands. The control unit continuously monitors flow rate requirements and automatically switches between the fixed displacement hydraulic machine and the variable displacement hydraulic pump, ensuring optimal energy efficiency across varying operational conditions without requiring a permanently complex multi-power-source architecture.
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
This design allows for high efficiency in operating hydraulic displacement units by precisely controlling flow rates through the use of a control unit that switches between electric and hydraulic power sources, optimizing energy use across a range of flow rates and load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electric machine drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the hydraulic machine; and an electric motor drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic displacement unit for driving an implement; a hydraulic machine fluidly connected or selectively fluidly connected with the hydraulic displacement unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic circuit, comprising: a hydraulic displacement unit for driving an implement; a hydraulic machine fluidly connected or selectively fluidly connected with the hydraulic displacement unit the hydraulic machine having a fixed hydraulic displacement; an electric machine drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the hydraulic machine; a hydraulic pump fluidly connected or selectively fluidly connected with the hydraulic displacement unit, the hydraulic pump having a variable hydraulic displacement; and an electric motor drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the hydraulic pump.