Hydraulic Pump Mounting for Suction Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines like hydraulic excavators, the combination of closed-circuit and open-circuit hydraulic pumps faces challenges in stabilizing pump operations and improving mountability, particularly due to the energy requirements and installation positions of these pumps, which affect the suction capability and efficiency of the open-circuit hydraulic pump.
Innovation Solution
The configuration involves a closed-circuit hydraulic pump with two outlet/inlet ports annularly connected to the single-rod cylinder chambers and an open-circuit hydraulic pump with an inlet port connected to a reservoir, where the closed-circuit pump is installed above the open-circuit pump to minimize suction pipe length and pressure loss, enhancing the suction capability and mountability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the open-circuit hydraulic pump is installed above the reservoir, then the pump can draw hydraulic fluid more easily, but the pump operation becomes unstable and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the open-circuit hydraulic pump at the same level as the reservoir to create equipotential conditions for hydraulic fluid suction. This eliminates the need for the pump to work against gravity when drawing fluid from the reservoir, reducing energy consumption and stabilizing pump operation by preventing cavitation and suction instability that occur when the pump is positioned above the reservoir.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the closed-circuit hydraulic pump and open-circuit hydraulic pump are installed in three-dimensional space to improve mountability, then the installation flexibility increases, but the suction pipe length and pressure loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the installation positions of the closed-circuit hydraulic pump and open-circuit hydraulic pump into the same installation space. By positioning both pumps at the same level and location, the suction pipe length for the open-circuit pump is minimized, reducing pressure loss and energy consumption while maintaining installation flexibility and mountability.
3Ease of operation
If the open-circuit hydraulic pump draws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir through a long suction pipe, then the pump can be installed flexibly, but the pressure loss increases and pump operation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by positioning the open-circuit hydraulic pump at the same level as the reservoir, eliminating gravitational head losses in the suction pipe. This minimizes the suction pipe length and associated pressure losses, ensuring stable pump operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining installation flexibility.
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 stabilizes the operations of both closed-circuit and open-circuit hydraulic pumps, reduces pressure loss, and improves the suction capability of the open-circuit pump, leading to easier mounting and potential cost reduction while maintaining efficient hydraulic fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a closed circuit provided with a closed-circuit hydraulic pump (12, 14, 16, 18) that circulates hydraulic fluid in a closed-circuit fashion
Implementation Method 2
an open circuit provided with an open-circuit hydraulic pump (13, 15, 17, 19) that draws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir (25) to supply the hydraulic fluid, and that drains return hydraulic fluid into the reservoir (25)
Implementation Method 3
a connection circuit (309a) that introduces the hydraulic fluid flowing out from the open-circuit hydraulic pump (13, 15, 17, 19) into the closed circuit
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a work machine which, in a configuration provided with a closed-circuit pump and an open-circuit pump, is capable of stabilizing respective pump operations of the closed-circuit pump and the open-circuit pump and of improving the mountability of the closed-circuit pump and the open-circuit pump. The present invention is provided with a closed circuit in which a closed-circuit pump and a boom cylinder are connected annularly, and an open circuit which has an open-circuit pump for making hydraulic fluid flow in from a reservoir and flow out and a connection passage capable of introducing hydraulic fluid into the closed circuit, wherein the closed-circuit pump is installed above the open-circuit pump.