Hydraulic Control Unit for Correlated Multi-Circuit Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for heavy-duty vehicles, such as gooseneck and actively steered wheel arrangements, require complex manual operation of hydraulic valves, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes, and existing solutions only allow for the redistribution of hydraulic fluid between two circuits, not simultaneous control of multiple independent hydraulic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with multiple connection openings for hydraulic circuits, featuring a control element with a rotary actuating shaft and control profiles that allow for the correlated control of at least two separate hydraulic circuits, enabling simultaneous activation and regulation of multiple circuits through a single actuating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of multiple control valves is used to coordinate hydraulic cylinders, then the system can control multiple hydraulic circuits, but the operation becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control valves into a single control unit with a common actuating element. The control element features control profiles that simultaneously actuate multiple valve elements, allowing coordinated control of multiple hydraulic circuits through one operation instead of manually operating each valve separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions by enabling correlated control of different hydraulic circuits (gooseneck, lift arrangement, steering arrangement) through a single control element. The universal control mechanism can regulate multiple independent hydraulic circuits simultaneously, reducing the number of separate control operations required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation of multiple control valves is used to coordinate hydraulic cylinders, then the system can control multiple hydraulic circuits, but operating errors increase due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control valves into a single control unit with a common actuating element. The control element features control profiles that simultaneously actuate multiple valve elements, allowing coordinated control of multiple hydraulic circuits through one operation instead of manually operating each valve separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The control profiles on the control element provide a predetermined feedback mechanism that ensures valve elements are actuated in the correct sequence and manner. This built-in feedback system prevents operating errors by guiding the actuation process through defined control paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing control devices are used, then hydraulic fluid can be redistributed between two circuits, but simultaneous control of multiple independent hydraulic circuits is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions by enabling correlated control of different hydraulic circuits (gooseneck, lift arrangement, steering arrangement) through a single control element. The universal control mechanism can regulate multiple independent hydraulic circuits simultaneously, reducing the number of separate control operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control valves into a single control unit with a common actuating element. The control element features control profiles that simultaneously actuate multiple valve elements, allowing coordinated control of multiple hydraulic circuits through one operation instead of manually operating each valve separately.
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 simplifies the operation of heavy-duty vehicle systems by allowing correlated control of multiple hydraulic circuits, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing operational safety and efficiency by enabling simultaneous activation of multiple circuits with a single control unit.
Implementation Method 1
The control element (16) has control profiles (20a, 20b) which, upon rotation of the actuating shaft (2), can actuate the valve elements (15a, 15b) in a correlated manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control unit for a control device for a heavy-duty vehicle, the unit having a main body (11) with two connection openings (12a, 12b), to which lines for a hydraulic medium of a first hydraulic circuit can be connected, a first channel (13a) leading from the first connection opening (12a) to a first chamber (14a) and a second channel (13b) leading from the second connection opening (12b) to a second chamber (14b), with passage (14) between these two chambers (14a, 14b) of the first hydraulic circuit being openable and closable by a valve element (15a). According to the invention: the main body (11) has at least two other connection openings (12c, 12d) of at least one second hydraulic circuit, to which other lines for a hydraulic medium can be connected, a third channel (13c) leading from a third connection opening (12c) to a third chamber (14c) and a fourth channel (13d) leading from a fourth connection opening (12d) to a fourth chamber (14d), with a passage (14') between these two chambers (14c, 14d) of this second hydraulic circuit being openable and closable by another valve element (15b); a control element (16a-16e; 16f), which can be moved by an actuating organ (3), is disposed in a receiving space (17) of the main body (11) of the control unit (10a-10e; 10f), more particularly on an actuating shaft (2), said element having at least one control profile (20a, 20b) which is/are operatively engaged with the valve elements (15a, 15b); and the valve element (15a) of the first hydraulic circuit and, correlated therewith, the other valve element (15b) of the at least one second hydraulic circuit can be moved by a motion of the control element (16a-16e; 16f), at least from a first control position into a second control position, by means of the control profile(s) (20a, 20b).