Hydraulic Percussion Control With Position-Based Valve Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing percussion devices for rock breaking machines have limitations in controlling the working cycle of the piston, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to fixed timing constraints for valve control.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic percussion device with a control unit that independently controls feed and discharge valves with an overlap control feature, allowing for flexible and adaptive control of the working cycle, including simultaneous opening or closing of valves to manage hydraulic fluid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed timing control is used for valve operation, then the control system is simple, but the operational flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed timing control to dynamic, real-time valve control based on actual piston position feedback. The control system continuously adjusts valve operation timing according to sensed piston location, enabling adaptive control that responds to varying operational conditions while maintaining system simplicity through standardized sensor and actuator components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensing devices to detect piston position and feeding this information back to the control unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the control system to automatically adjust valve timing based on actual piston location, achieving operational flexibility without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If independent valve control with overlap feature is implemented, then energy retrieval is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidvalve control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the overlap control feature to prepare the hydraulic system for energy retrieval before the piston completes its stroke. The discharge valve is opened in advance during the overlap period, allowing hydraulic fluid to be redirected to the accumulator before pressure equalization occurs, thereby maximizing energy recovery while using simple valve sequencing logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting valve control parameters including timing, duration, and sequence of valve operations. The control unit modifies these parameters based on piston position feedback to optimize energy retrieval at different points in the working cycle, achieving improved energy efficiency through programmable parameter adjustment rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fixed valve timing is used, then the control system is simple, but harmful empty strikes cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback from position sensing devices to continuously monitor piston location and compare it with the desired working range. When the piston approaches the limits of its effective stroke, the control unit receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts valve timing or stops valve operation to prevent empty strikes, thereby improving reliability through automated protective control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting piston position in advance and taking preventive action before harmful empty strikes can occur. The control system uses sensing data to predict when the piston will reach the end of its effective stroke and proactively adjusts valve timing or closes valves to prevent damaging impacts, eliminating reliability issues before they manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 a flexible and adaptive control system that prevents harmful empty strikes, optimizes energy retrieval, and allows for easy updates, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of rock breaking machines.

Implementation Method 1

pressurized hydraulic fluid prevailing in working pressure spaces of the percussion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic fluid fed to a first and second working pressure spaces of the percussion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12345020B2Percussion device and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • US12345020B2 patent drawing
  • US12345020B2 patent drawing
  • US12345020B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic percussion device and method of controlling a working cycle of a percussion piston is provided. A rock breaking machine includes a percussion device provided with a reciprocating piston executing a working cycle. The operation is controlled by means of a control unit generating control signals for independently operable feed and discharge valves of a hydraulic system. The position of the piston is detected by a sensing device.