Hydraulic Flow Control Circuit for Secondary Implement Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems in power machines often prioritize primary functions over secondary functions, leading to suboptimal operation of secondary functions due to insufficient hydraulic fluid supply and resulting in unwanted heat and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic flow control circuit that selectively directs pressurized hydraulic fluid flow to either primary or secondary function actuators, optimizing fluid distribution and return paths to enhance the operation of both functions independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic fluid is diverted to secondary functions when primary function is active, then secondary functions can operate, but primary function operates at less than peak level and unwanted heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a first conduit to the primary function device, and a second mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a second conduit to the secondary function devices. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without energy loss from continuous diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate fluid supply paths: a first conduit dedicated to the primary function device and a second conduit dedicated to secondary function devices. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of fluid supply to each function, eliminating the need to divert fluid from the primary function and preventing heat generation from continuous fluid circulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic fluid is diverted to secondary functions, then secondary functions can operate, but primary function operates at less than peak level
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate fluid supply paths: a first conduit dedicated to the primary function device and a second conduit dedicated to secondary function devices. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of fluid supply to each function, eliminating the need to divert fluid from the primary function and preventing heat generation from continuous fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a first conduit to the primary function device, and a second mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a second conduit to the secondary function devices. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without energy loss from continuous diversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic fluid is returned to tank through return line when primary function is not active, then secondary functions can operate, but unwanted heat is generated and system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a first conduit to the primary function device, and a second mode where pressurized fluid is supplied through a second conduit to the secondary function devices. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without energy loss from continuous diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the previously harmful action of returning fluid to tank (which generated heat and wasted energy) into a beneficial operational mode. By providing a dedicated second conduit for secondary function operation, the system eliminates the need to return fluid to tank during secondary function operation, thereby converting what was a harmful heat-generating process into an efficient operational state.
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 solution allows for improved performance of secondary functions by ensuring adequate hydraulic fluid supply when primary functions are not active, reducing heat generation and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic flow control circuit for an implement (20) configured to be hydraulically coupled to a power machine (10). The hydraulic flow control circuit includes a circuit to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid flow from a hydraulic source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments of power machines, implements and hydraulic systems utilize a hydraulic flow control circuit and method to implement multiple modes of operation while optimizing hydraulic fluid flow to either or both of primary and secondary function actuators. In a first mode the hydraulic flow control circuit is configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid flow from a first conduit and to provide the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the primary and secondary function actuators. In the first mode, the circuit is configured to direct return flow from the primary and secondary function actuators through the second conduit for return to the power machine. In a second mode, the circuit receives flow from the second conduit, provides the flow only to the secondary function actuator, and directs the return flow to the power machine through the first conduit.