Hydraulic Circuit Control for Precise Excavator Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in construction machines like excavators face reduced motion accuracy due to pressure and restriction differences in hydraulic circuits, leading to imbalanced fluid flow and interference during operations requiring precision, such as grading, where precise control of actuators is essential.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to manage fluid flow through hydraulic circuits by enabling independent control of actuators using separate pumps and valves, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through the secondary circuits when an operator assistance mode is activated, thereby isolating actuators from cross-talk and ensuring accurate movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple pumps are used to supply pressurized fluid to hydraulic circuits, then the power and capability of the hydraulic system is improved, but pressure and restriction differences cause interference resulting in reduced motion accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into primary and secondary circuits for each actuator, with each circuit fed by a dedicated pump. This segmentation isolates the fluid flow paths, preventing pressure and restriction differences from causing interference between circuits, thereby maintaining motion accuracy while preserving system power capability
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary to manage fluid flow allocation between pumps and circuits. The controller receives operator input and automatically adjusts valve positions to direct fluid flow appropriately, eliminating the need for manual coordination and ensuring precise control of multiple actuators simultaneously
2Device complexity
If a single pump supplies fluid to multiple circuits, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow imbalance occurs resulting in reduced motion accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent pump-circuit pairs, with each actuator receiving fluid from its own dedicated pump through segregated primary and secondary circuits. This segmentation eliminates fluid flow imbalance between circuits while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Each pump is designed to serve multiple functions by supplying fluid to both a primary and secondary circuit for different actuators. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precision without requiring separate dedicated pumps for each actuator, balancing complexity and performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary hydraulic circuits are used for additional actuator control, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but cross-talk between circuits occurs resulting in reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system implements segregated primary and secondary circuits for each actuator, with dedicated pumps and control valves for each circuit. This segmentation enables versatile control of multiple actuators while preventing cross-talk between circuits, maintaining precision through isolated fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through a controller that automatically adjusts valve positions based on operator input and system state. This dynamic adjustment allows the secondary circuits to be activated or deactivated as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining precision through real-time flow management
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 solution enhances the precision of hydraulic system operations by minimizing fluid flow deviations and ensuring accurate actuator control, particularly in high-precision tasks like grading, by isolating actuators from cross-talk and optimizing fluid flow allocation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump to cause fluid to flow through the first primary hydraulic circuit and the second secondary hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 2
a second pump to cause fluid to flow through the second primary hydraulic circuit and the first secondary hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 3
closing of a first valve that controls fluid flow through the first secondary hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 4
closing of a second valve that controls fluid flow through the second secondary hydraulic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system may include a first actuator to control a first linkage member, a second actuator to control a second linkage member, a first primary hydraulic circuit and a first secondary hydraulic circuit that include the first actuator, a second primary hydraulic circuit and a second secondary hydraulic circuit that include the second actuator, a first pump to cause fluid to flow through the first primary hydraulic circuit and the second secondary hydraulic circuit, a second pump to cause fluid to flow through the second primary hydraulic circuit and the first secondary hydraulic circuit, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine that an operator assistance mode is enabled, and cause closing of a first valve that controls fluid flow through the first secondary hydraulic circuit and a second valve that controls fluid flow through the second secondary hydraulic circuit.