Hydraulic Proportioning System Flow Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic proportioning systems for plural component pavement markers are typically large and complex, requiring users to substitute pumps of various sizes and displacements to achieve different component ratios, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic proportioning system that includes a flow divider to split hydraulic fluid into portions, driving separate motors and pumps to control the ratio of component materials, allowing for precise proportioning and combination of materials without the need for pump substitution, using a mobile applicator with a mixing manifold to form a plural component material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic proportioning systems are used to proportion plural component materials, then precise flow ratios can be achieved, but the system becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic motors driven by hydraulic fluid to power the pumps, eliminating the need for electric motors and complex electrical control systems. The hydraulic fluid flow rates automatically determine the pump speeds and thus the component material flow ratios, simplifying the control system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic motors serve dual functions: they power the pumps and their rotational speeds automatically proportion the component materials based on hydraulic fluid flow distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control mechanisms needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumps of various sizes and displacements are substituted to achieve different component ratios, then flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing physical pump characteristics (size, displacement), the system changes the flow rate parameters of the hydraulic fluid supplied to each motor. This allows easy adjustment of component ratios by simply adjusting hydraulic flow rates rather than replacing pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary that translates flow rate adjustments into pump speed adjustments and ultimately into component material flow ratio adjustments. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operation by providing a single control parameter (hydraulic flow rate) that automatically coordinates both pumps.
3Manufacturing precision
If electric and mechanical proportioning systems are used, then proportioning accuracy is maintained, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission and proportioning functions into a single hydraulic system. The hydraulic motors both transmit power to the pumps and automatically proportion the materials through their rotational speeds, eliminating the need for separate electric motors, transmissions, and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
By using hydraulic motors instead of electric motors, the system achieves compact integration of power and control functions. The hydraulic system naturally provides torque multiplication and speed control through fluid dynamics, reducing the need for additional mechanical components.
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
Enables precise and efficient proportioning of plural component materials, allowing for the formation of desirable properties in the final material with a compact and adaptable system, capable of achieving various ratios without changing pumps or systems, thus improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a flow divider, the flow divider dividing a flow of hydraulic fluid into a first portion and a second portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic proportioning system has a flow divider providing hydraulic fluid to drive two hydraulic pumps. The flow divider provides set amounts of hydraulic oil to each of two pumps, and the pumps each provide one material of the plural component material downstream to a mixing manifold. The two materials are mixed at the mixing manifold before application. The flow divider drives each pump at a set speed depending on the volume of hydraulic oil provided to each pump. The flow divider thus determines the ratio of the first material to the second material provided to the mixing manifold by the pumps.