Hydraulic Relief Pressure Control for Implement Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulically operated lifting gears for mobile machines face challenges in maintaining optimal attachment tracking on uneven ground while minimizing driving resistance, as high relief forces can cause attachments to lift off, leading to issues like increased cutting height when driving over depressions or crests.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a hydraulically operated lifting mechanism with a relief pressure control system that adjusts relief pressure based on soil profile gradient rates, using sensors to detect positive or negative slope rates and electronically controlling a proportional relief pressure valve to minimize driving resistance and ensure improved attachment tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high relief force is applied to minimize driving resistance, then driving resistance is reduced, but the attachment lifts off the ground causing poor tracking on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelief forceVSAvoidattachment tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The relief pressure is made dynamically adjustable through electronic control of the proportional pressure relief valve, allowing the system to adapt the relief force in real-time based on terrain conditions rather than using a fixed mechanical setting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor arrangement detects the actual ground contact status or terrain conditions and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the relief pressure accordingly to maintain optimal attachment tracking while minimizing driving resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If fixed relief pressure is set for normal operation to save fuel, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the attachment cannot respond to abrupt terrain changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidterrain response
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the relief pressure in response to terrain changes detected by the sensor arrangement, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system continuously monitors terrain conditions and periodically adjusts the relief pressure as needed, allowing the system to maintain low fuel consumption during normal operation while rapidly responding to terrain changes when detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Force

If relief pressure is increased to compensate for implement weight, then driving resistance is minimized, but cutting height becomes too high on sloping terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelief pressureVSAvoidcutting height consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the relief pressure parameter dynamically based on detected terrain gradients and slope conditions, reducing relief pressure when sloping terrain is detected to maintain consistent cutting height while still providing weight compensation on level ground

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for reduced driving resistance and improved attachment tracking on uneven ground, preventing brief sagging or swinging, while also saving fuel through optimized relief pressure regulation.

Implementation Method 1

When an attached implement is lowered to the ground, the lifting mechanism provides a relief force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a sensor arrangement which detects a positive or negative gradient of a ground profile traversed by the mobile work machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2524585B1Lifting device
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2524585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2524585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2524585B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The gear has a relieving pressure limitation valve (43) controllable per unit time depending on a height change of a ground profile, where the height change is detected by a sensor arrangement. The limitation valve is designed as a proportional pressure limitation valve electronically activated by a control unit (48) i.e. electronic control unit (ECU). The sensor arrangement comprises an angle sensor (5) connected to the control unit, so that angular speed between a steering wheel and a mobile working machine is measurable via the angle sensor and the control unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling relieving pressure of a hydraulically operated lifting gear of a mobile working machine.