Hydraulic Leak Detection With Delayed Shutdown for Mowing Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic leak detection systems in grass mowing machines require operators to disable hydraulic circuits or ignore leak warnings, risking turf damage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic leak detection system with a vehicle controller, solenoid valve, and temperature sensor that compensates for fluid expansion/contraction, allowing continued operation until cutting units are raised, then shuts down circuits to prevent further leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the operator is required to turn off hydraulic circuits immediately when a leak is detected, then hydraulic fluid loss is reduced, but productivity decreases and turf damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and warning before requiring circuit shutdown. The leak detection switch monitors hydraulic fluid levels continuously and provides advance warning to the operator, allowing the operator to complete the current mowing pass before shutting down circuits, thus preventing immediate productivity loss while still addressing the fluid leak issue
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the response based on operational context. Rather than requiring immediate shutdown upon detection, the system allows continued operation until the cutting units are raised, adapting the shutdown timing to the operational phase to minimize turf damage and productivity impact
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the operator is required to disable the hydraulic mow circuit during operation, then hydraulic fluid leak onto turf is prevented, but the risk of turf damage increases due to sudden circuit shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system raises the cutting units as a preliminary action before shutting down the hydraulic mow circuit. This sequence ensures that the cutting units are no longer in contact with the turf when hydraulic fluid leakage occurs during circuit shutdown, eliminating the risk of turf damage from sudden shutdown while still preventing fluid contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by blocking the lift and lower circuit from lowering the cutting units after they are raised. This prevents the cutting units from accidentally returning to the turf position during or after circuit shutdown, providing an additional layer of protection against turf damage
3Productivity
If operators are allowed to ignore leak warnings and continue mowing, then productivity is maintained, but hydraulic fluid continues to leak onto the turf
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operational state based on the detection status. Initially, the system allows continued operation with warning displayed to the operator. However, once the cutting units are raised, the system automatically shuts down the hydraulic mow circuit and blocks the lift and lower circuit, dynamically transitioning from a permissive state to a restrictive state to prevent further fluid leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through the warning device to inform the operator of the leak condition. The feedback mechanism ensures the operator is aware of the situation, and the automatic shutdown action provides definitive feedback that prevents further leakage regardless of operator response, closing the feedback loop
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
Prevents turf damage by allowing continued operation without immediate shutdown, reducing hydraulic fluid leaks onto the turf.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid valve with a temperature sensor increases the hydraulic fluid level in the sensing chamber if the temperature sensor indicates a hydraulic fluid temperature lower than a calculated reduced temperature
Implementation Method 2
A solenoid valve with a temperature sensor increases the hydraulic fluid level in the sensing chamber if the temperature sensor indicates a hydraulic fluid temperature lower than a calculated reduced temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic leak detection system (100) includes a leak detection switch (112) responsive to a level of hydraulic fluid in a tank used by a hydraulic mowing circuit (108) and a lift and lower circuit (109) of a grass mowing machine (102). The system includes a controller (128) that activates a warning indicator (130) if the leak detection switch indicates the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank is low, but allows the hydraulic mowing circuit and the lift and lower circuit to continue operating until the lift and lower circuit reaches a fully raised position. A solenoid valve (116) may control the level of hydraulic fluid in the tank based on temperature of the hydraulic fluid.