Hydraulic Drain Bypass for Backpressure-Stable Cylinder Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural hydraulic systems face performance issues due to varying backpressure in full-flow hydraulic return paths across different tractor makes and models, which can hinder the effectiveness of ground engaging tools in tillage and other operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a pressure regulator and supplemental conduit configuration that manages fluid flow to maintain optimal pressure, using a check valve and auxiliary conduit to direct excess fluid to the reservoir, ensuring consistent performance even under high backpressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-flow hydraulic return path is used in the hydraulic system, then the hydraulic fluid can be returned to the reservoir, but the backpressure varies across different tractor makes and models which hinders consistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic return path is segmented into two separate paths: a case drain conduit for low-pressure return and a supplemental conduit for high-pressure bypass. This segmentation allows the system to handle different backpressure conditions independently, ensuring consistent actuator performance across different tractor makes and models by providing dedicated low-pressure return path while bypassing high backpressure conditions.
2Power
If high backpressure is present in the hydraulic return path, then fluid flow to the reservoir is maintained, but the desired performance from the hydraulic system is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the supplemental conduit. This check valve acts as a mediator that allows fluid to bypass the high backpressure zone by flowing from the auxiliary conduit through the check valve directly to the reservoir, preventing the backpressure from affecting actuator performance while still maintaining the return path functionality.
3Reliability
If a drain bypass is added to the hydraulic system, then consistent performance under high backpressure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental conduit with check valve serves multiple functions: it acts as a bypass path for high backpressure conditions, provides an alternative return route when the case drain conduit is insufficient, and maintains system performance across different operating conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing robust performance consistency without requiring multiple separate systems.
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
The system enables consistent and efficient operation of ground engaging tools by managing fluid pressure and flow, allowing for effective tillage and soil interaction even during energetic encounters with obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve is configured to block fluid flow through the supplemental conduit to the auxiliary conduit while a second fluid pressure within the supplemental conduit on an auxiliary conduit side of the check valve is less than or equal to a third fluid pressure within the supplemental conduit on a reservoir side of the check valve, and the check valve is configured to enable fluid flow through the supplemental conduit to the reservoir while the second fluid pressure within the supplemental conduit on the auxiliary conduit side of the check valve is greater than the third fluid pressure within the supplemental conduit on the reservoir side of the check valve
Implementation Method 2
The pressure regulator is configured to block fluid flow to the auxiliary conduit while a first fluid pressure within the first cylinder conduit on a cylinder side of the pressure regulator is less than or equal to a threshold pressure. Additionally, the pressure regulator is configured to enable fluid flow to the auxiliary conduit while the first fluid pressure within the first cylinder conduit on the cylinder side of the pressure regulator is greater than the threshold pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system including a first cylinder conduit configured to couple to a cylinder, an auxiliary conduit configured to couple to a case drain conduit, and a pressure regulator coupled to the first cylinder conduit and to the auxiliary conduit. The pressure regulator may block fluid flow to the auxiliary conduit if a first fluid pressure is less than or equal to a threshold pressure and enable fluid flow if the first fluid pressure is greater than the threshold pressure. The hydraulic system further includes a supplemental conduit with a check valve that directs fluid from the auxiliary conduit to a reservoir. The check valve blocks fluid flow if a second fluid pressure is less than or equal to a third fluid pressure, and enables fluid flow if the second fluid pressure greater than the third fluid pressure.