Hydraulic Ride Control Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic vehicle control systems, there is a need for pressure equalization between ride control accumulators and boom cylinders to prevent unintended motion and to provide low pressure drop connections, as well as auxiliary functions like dead engine lower and condition monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A ride control system with multiple hydraulic systems for pressure equalization and low pressure drop connections between ride control accumulators and boom cylinders, including a first hydraulic system for pressure matching, a second for low pressure drop, and a third for connecting the rod side of the boom cylinder to the tank, along with an accumulator pressure sensor for monitoring and condition assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the ride control system is engaged without pressure equalization, then the system can be activated quickly, but unintended raising or lowering motion in the boom occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure equalization between the ride control accumulators and the boom cylinder pressure before ride control activation. This is achieved through a pressure equalization valve that opens before ride control engagement to balance pressures, preventing unintended boom motion when ride control is activated while maintaining quick response capability
2Reliability
If a direct connection is provided between the ride control accumulator and the boom cylinder, then pressure equalization is achieved, but pressure drop and flow resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple functional circuits: a pressure equalization circuit with a dedicated equalization valve, a ride control circuit with ride control valves, and a main hydraulic system. This segmentation allows pressure equalization to occur through a controlled path with minimal pressure drop while maintaining system performance during ride control operations
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure equalization valve acts as an intermediary component between the ride control accumulators and the boom cylinder. This valve provides a controlled flow path that equalizes pressures while minimizing pressure drop through its specific design and positioning in the hydraulic circuit
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic systems are added for pressure equalization and low pressure drop connections, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system incorporates multi-functional valves and components that perform multiple operations. For example, the ride control valves serve both as flow control elements and as pressure balancing mechanisms. The system design integrates pressure equalization, ride control, and boom control functions into a unified hydraulic architecture, reducing the need for completely separate systems while maintaining enhanced functionality
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
The system effectively equalizes pressures, reduces unintended motion, provides low pressure drop connections, and enables safe pressure discharge and condition monitoring, enhancing the performance and reliability of ride control systems in hydraulic vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic system for equalizing pressure between the ride control accumulator and the head side of the boom cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a second hydraulic system for providing a low pressure drop connection between the ride control accumulator and the head side of the boom cylinder
Implementation Method 3
a third hydraulic system for providing a hydraulic connection between the rod side of the boom cylinder and the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A ride control system and method where the system includes first hydraulics for equalizing pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side, and second hydraulics for providing low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. When ride control is engaged, the first hydraulics equalizes pressure between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side to within a pressure threshold, then the second hydraulics provides the low pressure drop connection between ride control accumulators and boom cylinder head side. Ride control system can include third hydraulics for providing fluid connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank; where after first hydraulics equalizes pressure to within pressure threshold, then third hydraulics provides connection between boom cylinder rod side and tank. The ride control system can also monitor the condition of the ride control accumulators.