Hydraulic Pump Low-Output Control for Instant Fluid Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric working vehicles and hybrid vehicles face inefficiencies in hydraulic systems due to energy wastage and lag in hydraulic fluid supply when the engine is idle, leading to delayed power steering assistance and reduced energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic system that operates the pump in a low output state when hydraulic fluid is not required, using the low output state for auxiliary functions and storing energy in a hydraulic accumulator for later use, thereby reducing energy wastage and improving response times for hydraulically actuated devices like power steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the hydraulic pump is continuously driven by a separate electric motor, then hydraulic fluid is instantaneously available for hydraulically actuated devices, but energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time of hydraulic fluid supplyVSAvoidenergy consumption of hydraulic pump
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pump operates dynamically with two distinct output states (high and low) rather than continuously at full capacity. The control system adjusts the pump output based on real-time hydraulic fluid demand, allowing the pump to be responsive when needed while conserving energy during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains a low output state that provides a minimal flow of hydraulic fluid in advance, ensuring that when full hydraulic power is needed, the pump can rapidly transition to high output state without delay. This preliminary low-level operation prepares the system for immediate response while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electric motor is actuated in response to demand for hydraulic fluid, then energy is saved, but there is a lag between demand and supply of hydraulic fluid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of hydraulic pumpVSAvoidtime delay in hydraulic fluid supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pump operates in a low output state continuously or periodically to maintain a minimal flow of hydraulic fluid ready for immediate use. This preliminary action ensures that when full hydraulic power is demanded, the system can respond rapidly without significant lag, while the low output state minimizes energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between low and high output states based on demand. The low output state maintains system readiness with minimal energy consumption, while the ability to rapidly transition to high output state ensures minimal time delay when full hydraulic power is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the hydraulic pump operates in a low output state, then energy wastage is reduced, but hydraulic fluid flow rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of hydraulic pumpVSAvoidflow rate of hydraulic fluid
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pump dynamically adjusts its output between low and high states based on demand. During idle periods, the low output state minimizes energy consumption while providing sufficient flow for auxiliary functions. When full hydraulic power is demanded, the pump transitions to high output state to provide the required flow rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The low output state of the hydraulic pump is utilized for multiple auxiliary functions including operating the hydraulic accumulator, releasing brakes, and controlling valve movements. This multi-functionality allows the pump to maintain system operation and readiness at low energy consumption levels without requiring high flow rates during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration provides instantaneous hydraulic fluid supply to hydraulically actuated devices, reduces energy wastage, and enhances the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system by utilizing stored energy for auxiliary functions such as releasing brakes and controlling valve movements.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulically actuated devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

storing energy in a hydraulic accumulator for later use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic accumulator: Hydraulic Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS11846089B2Hydraulic system
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 J C BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LTD
  • US11846089B2 patent drawing
  • US11846089B2 patent drawing
  • US11846089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic system for an electric working vehicle or hybrid working vehicle of the kind having an electric source of power and an alternative source of power, the hydraulic system comprising: one or more hydraulically actuated devices; and a hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulically actuated devices; wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to operate in a low output state when a flow of hydraulic fluid is not required by the one or more hydraulically actuated devices; and wherein the hydraulic system is configured to use hydraulic fluid supplied by the hydraulic pump in the low output state for one or more auxiliary functions of the hydraulic system.