Earth Mover Hydraulic Pump Segmentation for Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for earth-moving machines face challenges in efficiently allocating pressurized hydraulic fluid between different components and subassemblies, particularly in meeting varying power requirements during different operations, as they often rely on a single prime mover and common reservoir.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic system is configured with distinct circuits for the lift arm, bucket, and steering assembly, each served by dedicated hydraulic pumps and actuators, with a combiner valve allowing fluid redirection between circuits to optimize resource allocation and power distribution, and an energy recovery system to recycle pressurized fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single prime mover and common reservoir are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet varying power requirements of different components is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is divided into separate circuits (lift circuit, tilt circuit, steering circuit) each with dedicated pumps, allowing independent power allocation to match varying operational requirements of different components while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization
2Reliability
If hydraulic pumps are sized to meet maximum power requirements, then all component needs can be satisfied, but pump size and capacity requirements increase during operations requiring less power
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hydraulic system into separate circuits with dedicated pumps, each pump can be sized to meet the specific power requirements of its associated component rather than being oversized to accommodate maximum system demand, thereby reducing total hydraulic fluid volume while maintaining adequate power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs variable displacement pumps that can dynamically adjust their output based on real-time operational requirements, allowing the hydraulic system to adapt fluid flow and pressure to match actual component needs rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combiner valve is used to redirect fluid between circuits, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner valve is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a flow distribution element and as a pressure equalization device, thereby providing enhanced fluid allocation flexibility while minimizing the addition of separate components and reducing overall system complexity
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 enables independent and efficient operation of lift arm, bucket, and steering functions, improving performance by allowing selective allocation of hydraulic resources and reducing the size and capacity requirements of hydraulic pumps, while also facilitating energy recovery and conservation.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing low pressure hydraulic fluid into a first pressurized hydraulic charge by use of a first hydraulic pump and into a second pressurized hydraulic charge by use of a second hydraulic pump
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for providing hydraulic power to the work implements and subassemblies on an earth-moving machine such as a loader includes a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic pump can be associated with a lift circuit including a lift arm that can be raised and lowered with respect to the machine. The second hydraulic pump can be associated with both a tilt circuit for tilting a bucket pivotally connected to the lift arm and a steering circuit for steering the machine. The lift circuit and the tilt and steering circuits can be operated concurrently and independently of each other due to the arrangement of the first hydraulic pump and the second hydraulic pump.