Hydraulic Pump Torque-Free Mode via Pressure Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic transmission apparatuses with activation valves experience wear, pressure peaks, and high maintenance costs due to frequent switching between activated and deactivated states, which also lead to inefficient energy use and torque application.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'torque-free' mode where the control unit regulates the pump's cylinder capacity to maintain equal pressures at the feed and discharge orifices of the motor, eliminating the need for an activation valve and reducing stress on the system, while allowing the apparatus to operate without generating torque, thus mimicking a bypassed state without physical bypassing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an activation valve is used to switch between activated and deactivated states, then the apparatus can be activated and deactivated, but the valve experiences wear and generates pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the activation valve from the hydraulic circuit by using the pump's variable delivery rate capability to achieve torque-free mode operation. The pump can be regulated to deliver zero or minimal flow to the motor, effectively bypassing the need for a mechanical valve while maintaining the ability to activate and deactivate the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical activation valve system is replaced with a control system that regulates the pump's delivery rate. Instead of using a mechanical valve to switch flow paths, the invention uses electronic or hydraulic control of the pump's variable delivery mechanism to achieve the same functional result without mechanical wear and pressure shocks.
2Productivity
If the activation valve is moved frequently for switching, then the apparatus can respond to operational needs, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The activation valve is completely removed from the system, eliminating the source of wear and maintenance requirements. The switching function is achieved through the pump's variable delivery rate control, which has no moving parts subject to wear in the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump's variable delivery rate mechanism serves dual purposes: it both regulates flow to the motor and enables the bypass function previously requiring a separate activation valve. This self-service capability reduces the number of components requiring maintenance.
3Reliability
If the pump's cylinder capacity is regulated to maintain equal pressures, then the apparatus operates in torque-free mode, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameter of the pump from fixed delivery rate to variable delivery rate. By regulating the pump's cylinder capacity, the system can maintain equal pressures at motor inlet and outlet to achieve torque-free mode. This parameter change enables new operational modes while using existing pump capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses pressure sensors to detect the pressure difference between motor inlet and outlet, and adjusts the pump's cylinder capacity accordingly to maintain equal pressures. This feedback control achieves torque-free mode operation while keeping the control logic relatively simple by using readily available sensor and actuator technologies.
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 solution reduces wear and maintenance costs, improves energy efficiency, and allows the hydraulic transmission apparatus to operate without applying torque during certain modes, enhancing its operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the pump is regulated in such a manner that the pressures at said feed and discharge orifices remain substantially equal
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic transmission apparatus (20) including a pump (24) having a variable cylinder capacity and feeding one or more hydraulic motors (26A, 26B), and a control unit (50). In the apparatus, the feed and discharge orifices of the motors are arranged in such a manner that, when the pressures at said orifices are equal, the outlet torque from the motors is zero. To make the apparatus inactive, without physically bypassing the motors, the control unit is suitable for operating the apparatus in a “torque-free” mode by regulating the cylinder capacity of the pump in such a manner that the pressures at said feed and discharge orifices remain substantially equal.