Hydraulic Actuator Flow Confluence for Faster Boom Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hydraulic systems for working machines face issues with increased load on pumps during boom movement, leading to heat balance and fuel consumption problems, as well as decreased pump output when horsepower is controlled.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic system with a subordinate control valve that switches between positions to either confluence or prevent the operation fluid from the second pump from reaching the first hydraulic actuator, depending on the activation state of both actuators, allowing for efficient fluid distribution and reducing unnecessary load on the second pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the third pump fluid is confluent with the first pump fluid and supplied to the boom cylinder during boom movement, then the boom can be operated, but the load to the third pump increases frequently which adversely affects heat balance and fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboom operationVSAvoidheat balance and fuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The subordinate control valve dynamically switches between first and second positions based on the operational state of the second hydraulic actuator. When the second actuator is activated, the valve connects the third pump to the first actuator through the branched fluid tube, enabling quick operation. When the second actuator is inactivated, the valve disconnects the third pump from the first actuator, preventing unnecessary load and energy loss. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between operational readiness and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the horsepower of the pump is controlled, then energy efficiency improves, but the output amount of the pump decreases and thus the speed of the upward movement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidupward movement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the fluid output from both the first pump and the third pump through the subordinate control valve to supply the first hydraulic actuator. When both pumps are active, their combined fluid flow provides sufficient speed for upward movement while maintaining energy efficiency by only engaging the third pump when the second actuator is activated, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and movement speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If the subordinate control valve connects the third output fluid tube and the branched fluid tube, then the operation fluid from the second pump is supplied to the first hydraulic actuator enabling quick operation, but the load to the second pump increases when the second hydraulic actuator is inactivated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator operation speedVSAvoidpump load
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The subordinate control valve dynamically adjusts the fluid pathway based on the operational state of the second hydraulic actuator. In the first position, it connects the third pump to the first actuator for quick operation when both actuators are needed. In the second position, it disconnects the third pump from the first actuator when the second actuator is inactivated, preventing unnecessary power consumption. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between speed and power load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration enables quick operation of hydraulic actuators while preventing unnecessary load on the pump, thereby improving heat balance and fuel consumption by ensuring fluid confluence only when both actuators are activated.

Implementation Method 1

a subordinate control valve configured to be switched between a first position and a second position, the first position connecting the third output fluid tube and the branched fluid tube, the second position not connecting the third output fluid tube and the branched fluid tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow control: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3425127B1Hydraulic system for working machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3425127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3425127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3425127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic actuator, a first pump to supply operation fluid to the first hydraulic actuator, a second pump to supply operation fluid to the second hydraulic actuator, a second control valve to control operation fluid to be supplied from the second pump to the second hydraulic actuator, and a first control valve including a main control valve to control operation fluid to be supplied from the first pump to the first hydraulic actuator, and a subordinate control valve configured to control operation fluid to be supplied from the second pump to the second control valve and to the first hydraulic actuator. The operation fluid supplied from the second pump is confluent with operation fluid to be supplied from the first pump to the first pump, in a case of activating both of the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator.