Vehicle Hydraulic Circuit Interconnection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems in vehicles, such as excavators and tractors, face complexity and inefficiency in controlling fluid flow between multiple hydraulic circuits, leading to increased energy consumption and safety concerns, particularly when operating in different modes like road driving and field work.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system that allows hydraulic fluid flow between circuits based on vehicle operation modes, using operation mode signals from selectors and sensors to determine permissible fluid sharing, and utilizing electrohydraulic valves controlled by a CAN-bus system, allowing pumps to be downsized for energy cost reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic circuits are connected to allow fluid flow between them, then energy consumption is reduced and system efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically switches between connected and disconnected states based on operational conditions. The control unit monitors vehicle operation modes and automatically adjusts the connecting means (valves) to connect or disconnect hydraulic circuits as needed, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining safety across different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors operation mode signals from sensors and selector means, then adjusts the connecting means accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that hydraulic circuits are connected only when safe and beneficial, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and safety/control complexity.
2Productivity
If hydraulic circuits are connected to allow fluid flow between them, then system efficiency is improved, but safety requirements become more difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between operation mode signals and the connecting means. It processes safety requirements and operational conditions, then intelligently controls the valves to allow fluid flow only when both efficiency and safety criteria are satisfied, mediating between the conflicting requirements of efficiency and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts connectivity based on real-time operational conditions. By monitoring operation modes through sensors and selector means, the control unit enables or disables fluid flow between circuits only when safe, maintaining high system efficiency while ensuring safety requirements are always met.
3Reliability
If pumps are sized to meet maximum hydraulic demand, then all hydraulic consumers can be satisfied, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each with its own pump sized for that circuit's specific demand rather than the total system demand. The control unit manages fluid flow between segmented circuits based on operational needs, allowing each pump to operate at optimal efficiency while meeting all hydraulic demands through inter-circuit flow when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hydraulic circuit can serve multiple functions depending on operational mode. The connecting means allow any circuit to supply fluid to any other circuit when needed, making each pump's output universally usable across the entire system. This multi-functionality allows smaller, more efficient pumps to be used while still meeting all hydraulic demands through coordinated inter-circuit flow.
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 approach simplifies control, reduces energy consumption, and ensures safe operation by prioritizing critical hydraulic circuits, enabling efficient fluid management and faster response times while maintaining essential functions like steering and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic circuit having a first pressure source and at least a first hydraulic consumer, a second hydraulic circuit having a second pressure source... allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid at least from said first hydraulic circuit to said second hydraulic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A hydraulic system of a vehicle is provided, said system comprising: a first hydraulic circuit (1) having a first pressure source (2) and at least a first hydraulic consumer (3, 4), a second hydraulic circuit (5) having a second pressure source (6) and at least a second hydraulic consumer (7), connecting means (10, 11) allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid at least from said first hydraulic circuit (1) to said second hydraulic circuit (5), and control means (16) for controlling operation of said hydraulic consumers (3, 4, 7). Such a hydraulic system should allow safe operation of a vehicle with low energy consumption of the hydraulic system. To this end said control means (16) are connected to summation demand means (12), said summation demand means (12) controlling flow of hydraulic fluid from at least said first hydraulic circuit (1) to said second hydraulic circuit (5), said summation demand means (12) being connected to operation mode signal means (17) outputting an operation mode signal indicative of an operation mode of said vehicle, wherein said summation demand means (12) allow or block flow of hydraulic fluid from one hydraulic circuit (1) to another hydraulic circuit (5) in dependency of said operation mode signal.