Hydraulic Leveling Circuit for Synchronized Lift Arm Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems in power machines, such as lift arm assemblies, face issues with synchronization of hydraulic cylinders during various loading conditions, leading to desynchronization and cavitation, which affects the stability and performance of implement-leveling systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating restriction orifices and lock valves in the hydraulic circuit to regulate flow between hydraulic cylinders, ensuring synchronized operation by restricting or blocking flow during specific loading conditions and movements, thereby maintaining synchronization and preventing cavitation.
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 compensate for loading condition variations, maintaining synchronized cylinder operation while allowing unrestricted flow during normal operation to preserve speed.
2Reliability
If restriction orifices are added to maintain synchronization, then reliability 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 needed. Rather than adding complex control systems throughout the circuit, the orifices are strategically positioned to provide local flow regulation that maintains overall system synchronization with minimal added complexity.
3Reliability
If flow is restricted during certain loading conditions, then synchronization is maintained, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing restriction orifices that provide flow regulation only under specific loading conditions where synchronization problems occur. During normal operating conditions, the orifices create minimal resistance, allowing free flow and reducing energy loss while still providing synchronization control when needed.
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
The solution effectively maintains synchronization between hydraulic cylinders during both commanded movements and stationary states, enhancing the stability and performance of implement-leveling systems by preventing cavitation and ensuring proper attitude control of implements.
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
Implementation Method 3
The flow combiner/divider can be configured to hydraulically link the extension cylinder with the leveling cylinder for synchronized operation of the extension cylinder and the leveling cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic assembly for an extendable lift arm assembly can include an extension cylinder, a leveling cylinder, a main control valve, a flow combiner/divider, and one or more flow-blocking arrangements. The main control valve can be configured to control commanded movement of the extension and leveling cylinders of the lift arm assembly. The flow combiner/divider can be configured to hydraulically link the extension cylinder with the leveling cylinder for synchronized operation of the extension cylinder and the leveling cylinder. The one or more flow-blocking arrangements can be configured to restrict flow from rod or base ends of the leveling or extension cylinders during commanded extension or retraction of the leveling and extension cylinders, or in the absence of commanded movement of the leveling and extension cylinders, to maintain synchronized orientation of the leveling and extension cylinders.