Hydraulic Circuit Supply System with Auxiliary Reservoir
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic fluid supply systems in John Deere tractors face challenges with pressure load requirements and potential dry-running of the charging oil pump due to fluctuations in hydraulic fluid levels, leading to increased construction costs and potential damage to the differential gear unit.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic supply system that includes a working reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir connected via a hydraulic line, with an air pump creating negative pressure in the auxiliary reservoir to regulate fluid levels, using a control line with adjustable openings and shielding to prevent air penetration and manage fluid flow between the reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a charging oil pump continuously conveys hydraulic fluid from the working reservoir to the auxiliary reservoir, then the auxiliary reservoir can be filled, but the working reservoir may be completely emptied causing the charging oil pump to run dry
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a float mechanism in the working reservoir that provides feedback control. When the fluid level drops to a critical point, the float triggers a valve to close, automatically stopping the charging oil pump before the reservoir is completely emptied, thus preventing dry-running and extending pump service life
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulation of fluid levels through the float-controlled valve mechanism. The working reservoir automatically stops pumping when fluid is low and resumes when fluid is sufficient, without requiring external monitoring or intervention
2Stress or pressure
If the auxiliary reservoir is designed to withstand high pressure from the charging oil pump, then fluid can be conveyed against gravity, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the high-pressure function (charging oil pump) from the storage function (auxiliary reservoir). The pump generates pressure only when needed to transfer fluid, while the reservoir itself operates at lower pressure during storage, allowing use of less expensive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The charging oil pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the auxiliary reservoir fluid level is low. This intermittent operation reduces the average pressure load on the reservoir, enabling cost-effective design
3Stress or pressure
If the control opening is exposed to air, then negative pressure can be built up in the auxiliary reservoir, but air may penetrate into the hydraulic circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a fluid-tight valve as an intermediary between the control opening and the hydraulic circuit. This valve allows controlled exposure to atmospheric pressure for negative pressure generation while preventing uncontrolled air ingress into the hydraulic system
Solution Approach 2:
The control line is designed to maintain an inert or controlled atmosphere when connected to the auxiliary reservoir. The valve mechanism ensures that when the control opening is exposed, it does so in a controlled manner that prevents harmful air penetration while allowing necessary pressure equalization
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 system provides a stable and cost-effective hydraulic fluid supply by regulating fluid levels in the working reservoir, reducing pressure load requirements on the auxiliary reservoir and preventing dry-running of the charging oil pump, thus extending its service life and maintaining lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump is connected at its low-pressure end to a suction line issuing into a fluid-free area of the auxiliary reservoir, so that relative to the atmospheric ambient pressure, a negative pressure can be bunt up in the suction line and thus in the connected auxiliary reservoir
Implementation Method 2
If the air pump is operated, then hydraulic fluid flows from the working reservoir via the hydraulic connection into the auxiliary reservoir, due to the negative pressure built up in the auxiliary reservoir by the suction line
Implementation Method 3
the control opening in the control line being at least partially exposed below a defined fluid level, so that the negative pressure built up in the auxiliary reservoir decreases, due to the air drawn in from the surroundings via the control line, to a level dependent on the flow resistance of the control opening
Implementation Method 4
the fluid columns in the two reservoirs that are connected by the hydraulic line are excited into a damped oscillation, wherein after decay of the oscillation, an equilibrium position of the fluid level in the working reservoir dependent on the position or installation level and/or the flow resistance of the control opening is adjusted or regulated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an system for supplying a hydraulic circuit with hydraulic fluid. The system includes a working reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir connected to the working reservoir by a hydraulic line. An air pump has an inlet connected to a suction line that opens into a liquid-free portion of the auxiliary reservoir so that a negative pressure can be built up in the auxiliary reservoir relative to the atmospheric ambient pressure. The air pump inlet is also connected to a control line, which comprises a control opening which is covered by the hydraulic fluid in the working reservoir, at least before the air pump is started up.