Hydraulic Pump Pressure Control Without Load-Sensing Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional load-sensing hydraulic systems in work vehicles, such as agricultural tractors, face inefficiencies due to conflicts between multiple implement functions and remote valves, leading to increased fuel consumption, heat generation, and decreased power availability, necessitating retrofitting or new design with pressure sensors for improved control.

Innovation Solution

A model-based approach that infers hydraulic demand by analyzing the correlation between prediction errors and pump input parameters, eliminating the need for load-sensing circuits or implement-based pressure sensors, using a computing system to adjust pump output pressure based on actual and predicted values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If load-sensing hydraulic systems use remote valves for flow control, then flow control is achieved, but pump pressure rises to maximum allowable pressure causing poor hydraulic efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidhydraulic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a pressure sensor on the implement to provide feedback about actual hydraulic demand to the tractor's control unit. The control unit adjusts pump pressure dynamically based on this feedback, maintaining only the minimum pressure needed for current operations rather than operating at maximum pressure continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on actual implement needs. Instead of maintaining constant maximum pressure, the pump pressure is adjusted in real-time to match the minimum required pressure for current hydraulic functions, reducing energy loss while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple implement functions connect to a single remote valve, then implement functions are integrated, but conflict is created causing pump pressure to rise to maximum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement function integrationVSAvoidpump pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Individual pressure sensors on each implement function provide feedback to the control unit about the actual pressure requirements of each function. The control unit synthesizes this information to determine the minimum pressure needed to satisfy all active functions simultaneously, avoiding the pressure conflicts that occur with single remote valve control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the hydraulic control by providing individual pressure sensing and control for each implement function rather than using a single centralized remote valve. This allows each function's pressure needs to be independently monitored and coordinated by the control unit, preventing pressure conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If pressure sensors are added to implement for monitoring hydraulic functions, then pump output pressure can be optimized, but system complexity increases requiring retrofitting or new design

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump output pressure optimizationVSAvoidpressure sensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives pressure data from implement sensors and translates this information into pump control commands. This mediator coordinates between the implement's hydraulic needs and the pump's operation, optimizing pressure without requiring complex direct connections between all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If load-sensing systems are used to provide fluid power to implement, then hydraulic power is supplied, but fuel consumption increases and power available for other vehicle functions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic power supplyVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the pressure parameter from constant maximum to variable minimum-required pressure. By adjusting pump pressure to match actual implement needs in real-time, the system maintains adequate hydraulic power supply while significantly reducing the energy required to operate the pump, thereby lowering fuel consumption and preserving power for other vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250331442A1System and method for controlling hydraulic pump operation within a work vehicle when supplying fluid power to external implements

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

AI summary

A method for controlling an operation of a pump of a work vehicle when supplying pressurized fluid to an implement coupled to the work vehicle includes receiving data indicative of an actual output pressure for the pump and an input pump parameter associated with the pump, and determining a predicted output pressure for the pump based at least in part on the input pump parameter. The method also includes determining a prediction error based at least in part on the actual and predicted output pressures for the pump, and determining a correlation between the prediction error and the input pump parameter. Additionally, the method includes controlling the operation of the pump to adjust the actual output pressure for the pump towards a target output pressure based at least in part on the correlation between the prediction error and the input pump parameter.