Hydraulic Function Grouping With Dynamic Multi-Pump Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems for agricultural implements have a predefined configuration that is not optimal and fails to adapt to changing system requirements during agricultural operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a computing system to access hydraulic parameter data, determine optimal pump pressures and power requirements, and control switching valves to dynamically group hydraulic functions and allocate hydraulic fluid from multiple pumps efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predefined configuration with fixed pump-function connections is used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to changing operational requirements and does not achieve optimal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pump-function grouping where the computing system continuously monitors hydraulic parameter data and automatically reconfigures which pump supplies which function based on current operational requirements. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions (improving adaptability) while using automated control algorithms that manage the complexity (mitigating the worsening of device complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the switching valves universal components that can route hydraulic fluid from either pump to any function, creating a multi-functional switching network. This universal switching capability enables any pump to serve any function as needed, achieving optimal efficiency for various operational scenarios without requiring dedicated fixed connections for each pump-function pair.
2Productivity
If multiple pumps are used to increase capacity and system efficiency, then the hydraulic system can meet higher system requirements, but the complexity of managing pump allocations and configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system continuously receives hydraulic parameter data from sensors monitoring pressure, flow rate, and other parameters from each pump and function. Based on this feedback, the system automatically determines the optimal pump-function assignments and adjusts switching valve positions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control enables the system to manage multiple pumps efficiently, maintaining high productivity while automatically handling the allocation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated pump allocation where the computing system independently monitors hydraulic parameters, calculates optimal configurations, and reconfigures the pump-function assignments without operator intervention. This self-managing capability allows the system to handle the complexity of multiple pump allocations while maintaining high productivity and adapting to changing requirements automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for grouping hydraulic functions associated with an agricultural implement includes accessing parameter data associated with hydraulic fluid used to drive a plurality of hydraulic functions of the implement, the hydraulic fluid being supplied from one of at least two pumps. The method also includes determining delivery pump pressures for the pumps for each of a plurality of different pump/function combinations based at least in part on the hydraulic parameter data and determining a power parameter requirement for the pumps for each of the different pump/function combinations based at least in part on the delivery pump pressures. In addition, the method includes selecting a desired pump/function combination based at least in part on the power parameter requirement, and controlling an operation of a plurality of switching valves such that the hydraulic fluid is supplied for driving the hydraulic functions in accordance with the desired pump/function combination.


