Hydraulic Pump Clutching for Low-Load Harvester Engine Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvesting machines face significant parasitic loads during engine startup, particularly in cold conditions, which can prevent the engine from reaching the necessary RPM for starting, especially in vehicles with 12V electrical architectures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically disengages powered devices from the engine during startup using a clutch mechanism, allowing the engine to reach a threshold speed before reengaging them, thereby improving the likelihood of successful starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pumps are driven directly by the engine during startup, then the engine experiences significant parasitic power draw, but the pumps can provide hydraulic function immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump system is segmented into multiple independent pump units, each with its own clutch mechanism. This allows selective engagement of individual pumps based on operational needs during startup, rather than all pumps being driven simultaneously by the engine
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanisms enable dynamic engagement and disengagement of hydraulic pumps during engine startup and operation. The system transitions from a static configuration where all pumps are always driven to a dynamic configuration where pump engagement is adjusted based on real-time engine conditions and hydraulic demands
2Ease of manufacture
If a 12V electrical architecture is used, then the vehicle starting system is cost effective, but starting capability is compromised under cold conditions with parasitic loads
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a full 24V electrical architecture to overcome parasitic loads, the system uses partial action by selectively disengaging only the necessary hydraulic pumps during startup. This reduces the parasitic load to a level that a 12V system can handle while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the hydraulic system during startup by altering clutch engagement states. This parameter change reduces the mechanical load on the engine, enabling reliable starting with a 12V electrical system
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 approach enhances the engine's starting reliability by reducing parasitic loads, allowing a 12V electrical system to suffice, and preventing potential damage from insufficient hydraulic fluid levels.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch includes an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic power module for a crop harvester, and in particular a cotton harvester, having an engine. The hydraulic power module includes a main drive gear, a drive shaft extending through the main drive gear, and a clutch operatively connected to the drive shaft, wherein the clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position of the clutch fixedly connects the main drive gear to the drive shaft and the disengaged position of the clutch disconnects the main drive gear drive from the drive shaft. The hydraulic power module further includes a first pump device directly coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the first pump device is driven by the drive shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A second pump device is indirectly connected to the drive shaft through the clutch, and is driven by the drive shaft when the clutch is in the engaged position.