Hydraulic Flow Control System with Selective Circuit Combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Skid steer loaders and similar vehicles face challenges in providing the optimal hydraulic flow and pressure configurations for various implements, as under-supplied pressure and flow reduce effectiveness while over-supplied pressure and flow lead to excess heat and wear.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with three interrelated circuits, each with a pump, switch, and valve, allowing operators to selectively combine outputs for different pressure and flow configurations, including low pressure/low flow, high pressure/high flow, high pressure/high flow combined, and low pressure/high flow, using an operator-controlled system to direct hydraulic flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hydraulic circuit is used to supply all implements, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot provide different pressure and flow configurations for different implement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into three separate circuits (first, second, and third circuits), each capable of independent operation with its own pump, valves, and flow control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for specific pressure and flow requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different implement needs while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed with multi-functionality where the same three circuits can be selectively activated and combined to serve multiple implement types with different requirements. The system can provide low pressure/low flow for one implement while simultaneously providing high pressure/high flow to another, making a single hydraulic system universally applicable to diverse implement needs
2Power
If high pressure and high flow are supplied to all implements, then all implements can operate at maximum capacity, but excess heat and wear are generated on system components
Solution Approach 1:
Each hydraulic circuit is equipped with dedicated flow control valves and pressure regulation mechanisms that allow local adjustment of pressure and flow parameters. This enables each implement to receive precisely the pressure and flow it needs for optimal operation, preventing the generation of excess heat and wear that would result from over-supplying all implements with high pressure and high flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates variable displacement pumps and adjustable flow control valves that enable dynamic changes in pressure and flow parameters based on actual implement requirements. This allows the hydraulic system to optimize power delivery by matching parameters to load demands, thereby reducing unnecessary energy loss as heat and minimizing component wear
3Reliability
If multiple hydraulic circuits are used to provide different pressure and flow configurations, then implement effectiveness is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges three separate hydraulic circuits into a unified multi-functional system where circuits can be selectively activated and combined based on implement requirements. The control system integrates valve actuation and flow distribution across all three circuits, providing reliable performance for diverse implements while managing complexity through coordinated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system employs dynamic control through electronically controlled valves and programmable logic that can selectively activate and combine different circuits based on real-time implement requirements. This dynamic adaptability ensures reliable performance across various operating conditions while the automated control system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for use in a work vehicle with a powered implement is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system may include a first hydraulic circuit including a first hydraulic pump with a low pressure and low flow output, switch and valve; a second hydraulic circuit including a second hydraulic pump with a high flow and high pressure output, switch and valve; and a third hydraulic circuit including a third hydraulic pump with a high flow and high pressure output, switch and valve. The first, second, and third circuits each include an output selectively combinable with each other by an operator control which controls the switch and valve configurations. The hydraulic system has several configurations. A first configuration is selectable to provide low pressure and low flow output to the implement, a second configuration is selectable to provide high pressure and high flow output to the implement from one of said second and third hydraulic circuits, a third configuration is selectable to provide high pressure and high flow output to the implement combining the output from the second and third hydraulic circuits, and a fourth configuration is selectable to provide low pressure and high flow output to the implement from said first, second and third hydraulic circuits.