Hydraulic Control Unit Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load sensing hydraulic systems in working machines lack operator feedback on increased load, leading to reduced intuitive handling and increased risk of accidents, as the system maintains constant flow independent of load, which can result in operators not feeling the weight of heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system control unit that receives load input and operator control inputs to calculate an operation signal, creating a relationship between load and flow, providing feedback to the operator by reducing hydraulic flow with increased load, mimicking open-center systems' behavior, while maintaining the efficiency of load sensing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If load sensing systems maintain constant flow independent of load, then hydraulic system efficiency is improved, but operator feedback on load weight is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives load information from sensors and adjusts the operation signal to the hydraulic control valve accordingly. This creates a closed-loop system that provides the operator with tactile feedback through the control lever while maintaining efficient hydraulic flow management. The feedback principle resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain constant flow efficiency while simultaneously providing load weight information to the operator through the control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hydraulic feedback system with an electronically controlled system. Instead of relying on pure hydraulic pressure feedback, the system uses sensors to detect load conditions and electronically adjusts the hydraulic control valve via a control unit. This substitution allows the system to maintain efficient constant flow operation while providing operator feedback through electronic control mechanisms rather than pure mechanical hydraulic resistance.
2Measurement precision
If load sensing systems keep flow constant, then operator control precision is improved, but intuitive handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the relationship between lever position and hydraulic flow is adjusted based on real-time load conditions. The control unit dynamically modifies the operation signal to the hydraulic control valve according to sensor feedback about current load state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain precise control while adapting the flow characteristics to match operator expectations under different load conditions, thereby preserving intuitive handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hydraulic system based on load conditions. The control unit adjusts flow rate, pressure, or valve positioning parameters dynamically in response to sensor feedback about load weight. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains precise control authority while modifying the flow characteristics to provide intuitive tactile feedback to the operator, resolving the contradiction between precision and intuitiveness.
3Ease of operation
If open-center systems provide load-dependent flow, then operator feedback is maintained, but hydraulic system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional open-center hydraulic system with an electronically controlled load sensing system. Instead of using a purely mechanical open-center configuration that provides natural load-dependent flow, the system uses electronic sensors and a control unit to simulate and regulate flow characteristics. This substitution eliminates the inherent inefficiencies of open-center systems while preserving the desirable operator feedback characteristics through electronic control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors load conditions and adjusts hydraulic flow accordingly. The control unit receives feedback from sensors about actual load state and modifies the operation signal to the hydraulic control valve to achieve desired flow characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain efficient closed-center operation while providing operator feedback that mimics the natural load-dependent behavior of open-center systems, resolving the efficiency-feedback contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic system control unit, a hydraulic system and a working machine for controlling a hydraulic system adapted to perform at least one hydraulic work function in a working machine. The hydraulic system performs the hydraulic control function in accordance with an operation signal determined by a hydraulic system control unit. In a first step (30) the control unit receives an operator control input associated to said work function. The method is particularly characterized in a second step where the control unit receives (31) a load input indicative of a load associated to the work function. Moreover, in a third step the control unit determines (32) the operation signal in response to the operator control input and the load input.