Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Fan Control with Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic operating devices for cooling fans in commercial vehicles require additional space and compromise energy efficiency due to the use of multiple hydraulic pumps, particularly when operating at partial load.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic operating device with a control valve and sensor line for adjusting the hydraulic motor speed based on cooling requirements, utilizing a hydraulic supply with pressure feedback to optimize installation space and efficiency, featuring a 2/2-way proportional valve and optional pressure compensation to maintain consistent fan unit speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hydraulic pump with constant displacement is used to drive the cooling fan, then the fan can operate reliably, but the installation space increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling fan hydraulic drive with the existing main hydraulic system by using a single hydraulic pump that serves both the main hydraulic functions and the cooling fan drive through a common supply line, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated hydraulic pump and reducing installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides hydraulic fluid for both the main hydraulic system operations and the cooling fan drive, making the system more space-efficient by consolidating functions into a single pump unit
2Device complexity
If a hydraulic pump with constant displacement is used, then the system is simpler and more cost-effective, but energy efficiency is compromised particularly at partial load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control valve in the supply line that dynamically adjusts the hydraulic flow to the hydraulic motor based on cooling requirements, enabling the system to adapt to partial load conditions and improve energy efficiency without requiring a complex variable displacement pump
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor line with pressure sensor provides feedback about the hydraulic pressure in the supply line to a control unit, which then adjusts the control valve position to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining reliable cooling fan operation under varying load conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If a control valve is added to adjust hydraulic flow based on cooling requirements, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor monitors hydraulic pressure in the supply line and communicates with a control unit that adjusts the control valve, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical flow control with an electronically controlled valve system that uses sensor feedback and electronic control logic to optimize hydraulic flow, reducing energy consumption while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through electronic rather than mechanical control mechanisms
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 device adapts to actual cooling needs, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing space requirements by eliminating the need for a separate hydraulic pump, while maintaining consistent cooling capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor line branched off in a supply line between the control valve and the hydraulic motor leads to a pressure control input of the hydraulic supply provided for pressure feedback
Implementation Method 2
a control valve for adjusting a volume flow passing through the hydraulic motor depending on a control signal representing a cooling requirement
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic motor that drives a fan impeller to generate an axial air flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Hydraulic operating device (12) for a cooling fan (14) of a commercial vehicle (10), comprising a hydraulic motor (16) and a fan unit (18) driven by the hydraulic motor (16) for generating a cooling airflow (20), a hydraulic supply (38) adjustable according to a pressure feedback with respect to its delivery volume for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a control valve (44) for adjusting a volume flow passing through the hydraulic motor (16) depending on a control signal representing a cooling requirement (46), wherein a sensor line (52) branched off in a supply line (50) between the control valve (44) and the hydraulic motor (16) leads to a pressure control input (54) of the hydraulic supply (38).