Hydraulic Mass Determining Unit with Pressure Compensated Flow Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic mass-determining units face challenges in accurately and efficiently determining the weight of loads due to variations in hydraulic fluid temperature, flow rate inconsistencies, and interference with emergency shutdown functions, particularly when measuring loads on forklifts and cranes.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic mass-determining unit equipped with a pressure compensated flow regulator and a pressure sensor, which maintains constant fluid flow through a pressure compensator, allowing for precise weight measurement by regulating pressure differences and eliminating flow resistance variations during calibration and measurement processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used to measure load weight in a hydraulic system, then weight determination is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature variations and flow rate inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being measured from direct pressure to pressure differential across a flow regulator. By measuring the pressure difference rather than absolute pressure, the system compensates for temperature variations and oil viscosity changes, maintaining measurement reliability under varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow regulator is introduced as an intermediary element between the hydraulic actuator and the measurement system. This flow regulator creates a controlled pressure differential that serves as a reference, allowing the measurement system to compensate for external variations and improve weight determination accuracy.
2Reliability
If hydraulic flow is regulated to maintain constant flow rate, then measurement consistency improves, but energy consumption increases due to continuous flow restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation is applied periodically only during the weight measurement phase rather than continuously. The system activates the flow regulator temporarily when a measurement is required, maintaining flow consistency during measurement while minimizing energy loss during normal operation periods.
3Productivity
If weight measurement is performed during normal transportation, then productivity improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to movement and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous weight measurement during the entire transportation and handling process without requiring separate measurement phases. The measurement function operates continuously alongside the transportation function, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
4Measurement precision
If a parallel weighing system is installed, then weight determination is enabled, but device complexity increases and emergency shutdown function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control device for the hydraulic system and a reference element for the weight measurement system. By making the flow regulator multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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 provides accurate, fast, and efficient weight determination of loads under consistent conditions, reducing energy waste and maintaining the emergency shutdown function's integrity, while enabling weight measurement during normal transportation and handling processes.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic mass-determining unit equipped with a pressure compensated flow regulator and a pressure sensor, which maintains constant fluid flow through a pressure compensator
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the first pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic mass-determining unit arranged for determining the mass of a load held by a hydraulic fluid system, the mass-determining unit is adapted to be connected to a hydraulic pump at a first fluid connection and a hydraulic actuator of a lifting device at a second fluid connection, the mass-determining unit comprises a first pipe arranged for connecting the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection, and at least one pressure sensor arranged to measure the pressure in the first pipe, wherein the mass-determining unit further comprises a flow regulator with a pressure compensator, where the flow regulator is serially connected to the first pipe to regulate the flow in the first pipe, and one of a pressure switch arranged for measuring the pressure difference over the flow regulator, and for sending a signal to the pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the first pipe when the pressure difference is above a preset value, or a magnetic field switch that comprises a magnet attached to the pressure compensator and a detecting unit arranged for detecting whether the magnet and the pressure compensator are in an initial position, and for sending a signal to the pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the first pipe when the detecting unit detects that the pressure compensator is not in the initial position, and a processor for based on the measured pressure in the first pipe by the pressure sensor calculating a mass of the load.