Integrated Controller for Mobile Hydraulic Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile hydraulic equipment control systems require multiple separate components from different vendors, leading to integration challenges, configuration complexities, and environmental compensation issues due to varying temperature conditions affecting hydraulic fluid viscosity.

Innovation Solution

A single controller integrating a radio receiver, hydraulic controller, and display unit with configurable terminals for analog or digital inputs/outputs, and a user interface for parameter adjustment, including temperature compensation for the hydraulic valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components (hydraulic controller, receiver, HMI) are used to control mobile hydraulic equipment, then each component can be optimized by specialized vendors, but the system requires complex integration management, multiple configurations, and increased device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hydraulic controller, radio receiver, and HMI into a single integrated controller unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and their complex integration, while maintaining all necessary functions through modular internal architecture and standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated controller is designed to perform multiple functions: hydraulic control, wireless communication, and operator interface. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace three separate components, simplifying the system while maintaining specialized capabilities through software-based function separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different models and sizes of cranes require different configurations of control components, then each crane can be optimized for its specific application, but the manufacturer must stock many different component configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication optimizationVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses software-based configuration that can be dynamically adjusted to match different crane models and applications. This allows a single hardware platform to adapt to various configurations through programmable parameters, eliminating the need for multiple physical component variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows modification of control parameters, gain values, and operational characteristics through software to optimize performance for different crane sizes and applications. This parameter-based adaptation replaces physical reconfiguration with flexible digital settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the control system requires recalibration when replacing hydraulic components, then system control can be precisely adjusted, but the recalibration process increases maintenance time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidrecalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated controller continuously monitors hydraulic system parameters and automatically adjusts control signals to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for manual recalibration after component replacement, as the system self-adjusts to new components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs automatic calibration routines and self-adjustment when hydraulic components are replaced, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The system monitors its own performance and makes real-time corrections to maintain precision without external recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If temperature variations are not compensated for, then the control system remains simple, but changing temperature causes hydraulic fluid viscosity changes that affect crane performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidperformance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated controller incorporates temperature sensing and automatically compensates for viscosity changes by adjusting control parameters based on real-time temperature data. This feedback mechanism maintains consistent performance across varying environmental conditions without adding complex external compensation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3293983B1System for control of mobile hydraulic equipment
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 MAGNETEK INC
  • EP3293983B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3293983B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3293983B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A controller for mobile hydraulic equipment includes a radio receiver, hydraulic controller, and display unit. The controller further includes terminals configurable to function as a combination of analog or digital inputs or outputs according to the system requirements. A user interface included on the controller permits an operator to select a desired function for each terminal and to configure the controller according to the application requirements.