Hydraulic Circuit Control for Stable Tool Operation in Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems in work vehicles face inefficiencies due to the direct proportional relationship between prime mover rotation speed and vehicle speed, affecting hydraulic actuator performance and requiring separate control of the accelerator and joystick levers, which complicates operation and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A method where the joystick lever controls prime mover speed and hydraulic actuator operation independently, with distinct bands for proportional adjustment and compensation, allowing separate control of hydrostat transmission ratio to maintain consistent vehicle speed despite prime mover variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the prime mover rotation speed is increased to improve vehicle speed, then vehicle speed increases, but hydraulic actuator control becomes unstable and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidwork operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent control paths: one path controls vehicle speed through the accelerator lever and hydrostat, while the other path controls hydraulic actuators through the joystick lever. This segmentation allows each control function to operate independently without interference, resolving the contradiction between vehicle speed and hydraulic actuator stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the accelerator lever controls both vehicle speed and prime mover speed, then vehicle speed regulation is achieved, but hydraulic actuator control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidhydraulic actuator control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control functions are segmented and assigned to separate control devices: the accelerator lever exclusively controls vehicle speed via the hydrostat, while the joystick lever exclusively controls hydraulic actuators. This eliminates the conflict between dual control functions and ensures high precision for both control tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from both the accelerator lever and joystick lever, then independently processes these signals to control the hydrostat and hydraulic valves respectively. This intermediary processing ensures that each control signal is handled with appropriate precision without interference from the other control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If separate control of accelerator and joystick levers is maintained, then vehicle speed and hydraulic actuator control are independent, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit serves multiple functions: it processes accelerator lever signals for vehicle speed control, processes joystick lever signals for hydraulic actuator control, and coordinates both control paths. This multi-functionality consolidates the control system architecture, reducing overall complexity despite the independent control requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If the joystick lever controls only hydraulic actuators, then actuator control precision improves, but prime mover speed regulation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic actuator control precisionVSAvoidprime mover speed regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control responsibilities are segmented: the accelerator lever is assigned to control prime mover speed and vehicle speed, while the joystick lever is assigned to control hydraulic actuators. This segmentation ensures that each control device operates within its designated function with optimal precision and capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 productivity by allowing precise control of hydraulic actuators and vehicle speed, reducing hydraulic oil flow losses and compensating for prime mover speed changes, thus optimizing overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

The hydraulic circuit is powered by a first hydraulic pump driven in rotation by a prime mover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The lifting and lowering of the arm and the rollback and unload of the bucket or forks are carried out using at least one double-action hydraulic actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuator: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the transmission to transfer the motion of the prime mover to the wheels is hydraulic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4575103A1Method for operating a hydraulic circuit of a work vehicle, corresponding processing unit and work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP4575103A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4575103A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4575103A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for managing a hydraulic circuit (HC) of a work vehicle, comprising a first operating mode, called "accelerator-base", in which a rotation speed (ES) of the prime mover (E) is directly proportional to a deflection of an accelerator lever (AP) and in which a speed (VS) of the vehicle and the rotation speed of the prime mover are approximately directly proportional to each other and a second operating mode, called "tool-base", in which in a first continuous range of joystick lever deflection (LJK), the prime mover is operated at a predetermined approximately fixed rotational speed, and an opening of the open-center directional valve is proportional to the deflection of the joystick lever (LJK), in a second continuous joystick lever deflection (LJK) range distinct and separate from said first deflection range, the prime mover is operated at a rotational speed proportional to said joystick lever deflection (LJK) and the open center directional valve opening is fixed at a maximum opening value.