Hydraulic Pin Actuation Using Ride Control Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles face difficulties in quickly and efficiently changing implements due to debris accumulation, which reduces hydraulic pressure and can lead to component damage if the pump is improperly 'deadheaded' without a safety mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control system that includes a pump, accumulator, boom hydraulic cylinder, pin hydraulic cylinder, pin control valve, and ride control valve assembly, where the controller manages fluid communication to boost pressure for the pin hydraulic cylinder, preventing damage by isolating the pump and using preexisting ride control features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump outlet pressure is kept at a lower level (not deadheaded), then the hydraulic system operates safely without risk of pump damage, but the pin hydraulic cylinder cannot generate sufficient pressure to overcome debris accumulation and actuate the locking pins effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal operation mode where the pump operates safely at lower pressure with the ride control valve connected to the boom cylinder, and pin actuation mode where the system isolates the boom cylinder and directs full pump pressure to the pin hydraulic cylinder. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same pump to safely operate at different pressure levels for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two independent circuits: the ride control circuit with the boom hydraulic cylinder, and the pin actuation circuit with the pin hydraulic cylinder. The controller can selectively isolate and activate either circuit, allowing the pump to deliver full pressure to the pin cylinder without risking deadheading through the boom cylinder path.
2Stress or pressure
If deadheading the pump to boost hydraulic pressure to the pin hydraulic cylinder, then sufficient pressure can be achieved to overcome debris and actuate pins, but the pump can be irreparably damaged without safety mechanisms or operator attention
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between operational modes. It monitors operator input and automatically reconfigures the hydraulic valve connections, eliminating the need for operator expertise about deadheading risks. The system mediates between the pump's pressure output and the different hydraulic circuits, ensuring safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-protection by automatically preventing pump deadheading through intelligent valve control. When the operator selects pin actuation, the controller automatically isolates the boom cylinder circuit and directs flow only to the pin cylinder, making the system self-protecting without requiring external safety mechanisms or operator knowledge.
3Device complexity
If the pin hydraulic cylinder is not included in the load sensing circuit, then the system structure remains simple and the pump can serve multiple functions, but the pump cannot automatically increase pressure in response to increased coupling/decoupling difficulty caused by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The pump serves multiple functions by being able to supply pressure to different hydraulic circuits based on operational needs. During normal operation, it supplies the ride control circuit; during pin actuation, it supplies the pin hydraulic cylinder. This multi-functionality allows a single pump to handle both ride control and pin actuation without requiring separate pressure sources.
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
Enables efficient implement exchange with adequate hydraulic pressure, preventing component damage by automatically boosting pressure and ensuring safe operation without requiring user expertise.
Implementation Method 1
The pump includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet... supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the boom hydraulic cylinder from the pump
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with the pump... supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the boom hydraulic cylinder from the accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a work vehicle includes a hydraulic control assembly and a controller. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pump, accumulator, boom hydraulic cylinder, pin hydraulic cylinder, pin control valve, and ride control valve assembly. The boom hydraulic cylinder moves a boom of the work vehicle. The pin hydraulic cylinder moves a pin on the boom. The ride control valve assembly includes a charge valve and discharge valve. The charge valve is in fluid communication with the pump and the accumulator. The discharge valve is in fluid communication with the accumulator and a reservoir. The controller operates the work vehicle in a ride control mode and pin actuation mode. The pin actuation mode includes opening the charge valve with the discharge valve closed, and directing hydraulic fluid through the pin control valve.