Hydraulic Circuit With Accumulator for Smooth Valve Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic circuits using fixed displacement hydraulic pumps face inefficiencies in energy utilization and potential impacts during directional switching due to constant discharge amounts, necessitating a solution for smooth control of fluid pressure actuators while effectively utilizing energy at a low cost.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure circuit incorporating a fixed displacement pump, directional switching valve, accumulator, accumulator flow control valve, and pump flow control valve allows for variable flow rate diversion into two systems, enabling smooth actuator control and energy utilization, with the pump flow control valve being preferably a spool valve and the accumulator flow control valve a proportional valve, to manage energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed displacement pump is used to pressurize fluid, then the structure is simple and maintainability is excellent, but the discharge amount is constant causing impact during directional switching and poor energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An accumulator is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the fixed displacement pump and the hydraulic actuator. The accumulator stores excess energy during low-demand phases and releases it during high-demand phases, smoothing out the constant discharge from the pump and eliminating impact during directional switching while maintaining simple pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter dynamically by using a flow control valve to regulate the amount of fluid reaching the actuator, while the accumulator compensates for the difference between constant pump discharge and variable actuator demand, thereby achieving smooth operation with a simple fixed displacement pump.
2Device complexity
If a fixed displacement pump is used with constant discharge amount, then the pump structure remains simple, but impact occurs during directional switching of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator is pre-charged with gas or spring energy to create a cushioning effect. When directional switching occurs, this pre-stored energy absorbs the shock and impact from the sudden change in fluid flow direction, protecting the system components while maintaining the simple fixed displacement pump structure.
3Loss of energy
If part of the return oil is accumulated in the accumulator for energy utilization, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires additional components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores energy from return oil for later utilization, cushions impact during directional switching, and regulates system pressure. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits within a single device.
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 configuration allows for effective energy utilization and smooth control of fluid pressure actuators, reducing the load on the fixed displacement pump during regeneration operations and maintaining low costs by utilizing the accumulator's stored energy efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator arranged in a branch flow passage branched from a connection flow passage that connects the fluid pressure actuator and the directional switching valve
Implementation Method 2
a pump flow control valve arranged between the fluid pressure actuator and the fixed displacement pump and configured to variably divert a flow rate of the pressurized fluid supplied from the fixed displacement pump into two systems
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pressure circuit includes a directional switching valve arranged between a fixed displacement pump and a fluid pressure actuator and configured to switch a flow passage for a pressurized fluid, an accumulator arranged in a branch flow passage branched from a connection flow passage that connects the fluid pressure actuator and the directional switching valve, an accumulator flow control valve arranged between the connection flow passage and the accumulator, and a pump flow control valve arranged between the fluid pressure actuator and the fixed displacement pump and configured to variably divert a flow rate of the pressurized fluid discharged from the fixed displacement pump into a first system including the tank and a second system including the fluid pressure actuator.