Hydraulic Leveling Circuit Synchronization via Restriction Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems in power machines, such as articulated loaders, face challenges in maintaining synchronization between extension and leveling cylinders during various operational modes, leading to potential loss of synchronization and cavitation, especially under uneven loading conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hydraulic assemblies with restriction orifices and lock valves in the hydraulic circuit to regulate flow between cylinders, ensuring synchronized operation by restricting flow during specific operations and loading conditions, and maintaining synchronization even when no movement is commanded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydraulic flow is unrestricted between cylinders, then operation speed is improved, but synchronization between cylinders deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing restriction orifices that modify the flow resistance parameter in the hydraulic circuit. These orifices create controlled pressure drops that regulate flow rates between cylinders, ensuring synchronized movement while maintaining adequate operation speed. The restriction orifices change the flow parameters to achieve both synchronization and functional performance.
2Reliability
If restriction orifices are added to regulate flow, then synchronization between cylinders is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing restriction orifices at specific locations in the hydraulic circuit where flow regulation is most effective. Rather than complexing the entire system, the orifices are strategically positioned in parallel circuits to create localized flow control that achieves global synchronization. This localized approach minimizes overall device complexity while solving the synchronization problem.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow is restricted during specific operations, then leveling precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow restriction characteristics adaptable to different operational phases. The restriction orifices are designed to provide appropriate flow control during leveling operations while allowing faster flow during other phases of operation. This dynamic flow management achieves precise leveling when needed without excessively extending overall operation time.
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 effectively maintains synchronization between hydraulic cylinders during both commanded movements and stationary states, reducing cavitation and improving the reliability of implement leveling systems, thereby enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of power machines.
Implementation Method 1
The first restriction orifice can be configured to restrict flow from the rod end of the leveling cylinder during extension of the leveling and extension cylinders to maintain synchronization of the leveling and extension cylinders
Implementation Method 2
The second restriction orifice can be configured to restrict flow from the base end of the extension cylinder during retraction of the leveling and extension cylinders, to maintain synchronization of the leveling and extension cylinders
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic assembly (700) for an extendable lift arm assembly (230) can include an extension cylinder (712), a levelling cylinder (710), a main control valve (704), a flow combiner/divider (718), and one or more flow-blocking arrangements (724,726;744,746). The main control valve can be configured to control commanded movement of the extension and levelling cylinders of the lift arm assembly. The flow combiner/divider can be configured to hydraulically link the extension cylinder with the levelling cylinder for synchronised operation of the extension cylinder and the levelling cylinder. The one or more flow-blocking arrangements can be configured to restrict flow from rod or base ends of the levelling or extension cylinders during commanded extension or retraction of the levelling and extension cylinders, or in the absence of commanded movement of the levelling and extension cylinders, to maintain synchronised orientation of the levelling and extension cylinders.