Hydraulic Pump Control for Work Machine Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in work machines experience delayed implement response and varying productivity due to fluctuations in hydraulic pump flow, affecting both manual and automated operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a controller to manage fluid flow through a hydraulic valve by opening or closing a drain valve to maintain a minimum or limited flow from the hydraulic pump, optimizing pump operation based on predetermined criteria such as time since the implement was last used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the hydraulic pump operates continuously to ensure immediate implement response, then implement response time is improved, but fuel consumption increases and pump wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining a minimum continuous flow through the drain valve, which keeps the hydraulic pump in a ready state without requiring full operational flow. This preliminary preparation allows the pump to respond immediately when implement activation is commanded, while consuming significantly less fuel than continuous full-operation would require
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between minimum flow mode (when implement is not in use) and full flow mode (when implement activation is commanded). The drain valve is periodically adjusted between open and closed positions based on system state, creating a rhythm of low-power standby and high-power operation that reduces overall fuel consumption while maintaining response capability
2Loss of time
If the hydraulic pump operates continuously to ensure immediate implement response, then implement response time is improved, but pump wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining minimal hydraulic flow through the drain valve, which keeps the pump lubricated and ready without subjecting it to the full mechanical stress of continuous high-pressure operation. This preliminary maintenance flow prevents wear accumulation while preserving the pump's ability to respond immediately when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using only the minimum necessary flow (through the drain valve) to maintain pump readiness, rather than applying full operational flow continuously. This partial flow is sufficient to prevent wear and maintain responsiveness, but excessive enough to be harmful if applied continuously at full capacity
3Loss of time
If the drain valve is kept open to maintain minimum flow, then implement response is improved, but hydraulic system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the drain valve position variable rather than fixed. The valve opens to maintain minimum flow when implement response is prioritized, and closes to maximize efficiency when the implement is not in use. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its efficiency-response tradeoff based on operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow parameter through the drain valve based on system state. When implement activation is commanded, the drain valve opens to increase flow and improve response. When the implement is idle, the valve closes to reduce flow and improve efficiency. This parameter change allows optimization of the efficiency-response tradeoff in different operational phases
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process of controlling a hydraulic system in a work machine includes determining if an operation of the hydraulic system of the work machine meets a predetermined criteria with a controller, and operating a drain valve of the hydraulic system such that there is a minimum flow from a hydraulic pump to a drain if the operation of the hydraulic system of the work machine does not meet the predetermined criteria via the controller. The system and process further operating the drain valve of the hydraulic system such that there is a limited flow from the hydraulic pump to the drain if the operation of the hydraulic system of the work machine meets the predetermined criteria via the controller such that the predetermined criteria comprises at least a predetermined time period T since the work implement system of the work machine has been operated.