Hydraulic Ride Control Using a Virtual Accumulator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride control systems in heavy construction vehicles are limited by their need for an accumulator, which adds cost and safety concerns, and are inflexible as they can only be toggled on and off based on speed thresholds, unable to adapt to changing conditions during work operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system that uses a control valve and pressure sensors to simulate a virtual accumulator, allowing for dynamic adjustment of hydraulic fluid flow rates to provide shock absorption, eliminating the need for a physical accumulator and enabling operation independent of speed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical accumulator is used in the ride control system, then shock absorption capability is improved, but system cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the accumulator's shock absorption function through software control. The control system simulates accumulator behavior by dynamically adjusting hydraulic fluid flow rates based on simulated pressure differentials, eliminating the need for a physical accumulator while maintaining the cushioning effect during vehicle travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical accumulator system with an electronically controlled hydraulic system. Instead of using a physical gas-charged accumulator to absorb shocks, the system uses a processing unit and control valve to dynamically regulate hydraulic fluid flow, substituting mechanical shock absorption with electronically controlled fluid management.
2Ease of operation
If the ride control system is manually triggered, then operator control is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic triggering based on vehicle speed feedback. The processing unit continuously monitors vehicle speed and automatically activates the ride control system when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining appropriate shock absorption during travel conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-activation based on vehicle operating conditions. The control system automatically detects when the vehicle is traveling at speeds that would cause boom oscillation and activates the shock absorption function without requiring operator awareness or action, improving operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If the ride control system is automatically triggered by speed threshold, then operational efficiency is improved, but flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where the system continuously adjusts hydraulic fluid flow rates based on real-time vehicle speed and simulated accumulator pressure differentials. This allows the ride control system to adapt its shock absorption characteristics to varying travel conditions while maintaining automatic operation, enabling both efficiency and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes hydraulic flow parameters based on operating conditions. By adjusting flow rates in response to simulated pressure differentials and vehicle speed, the system adapts its shock absorption performance to match actual travel conditions, providing flexibility without requiring manual intervention.
4Device complexity
If the boom is allowed to bounce freely, then system simplicity is maintained, but ride quality harshens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control valve as an intermediary between the hydraulic system and the boom. This valve mediates the hydraulic fluid flow to and from the lift cylinder, providing controlled shock absorption that improves ride quality while maintaining relative system simplicity through electronic control rather than complex mechanical components.
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 enhances ride quality by providing adaptive shock absorption, reduces costs and safety risks, and allows for flexible operation across various conditions and speeds, improving the system's usability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that is configured to measure the fluid pressure in the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
control a hydraulic fluid flow rate to and from the first chamber of the hydraulic mechanism via the control valve
Implementation Method 3
The shock absorption response is based on a simulated hydraulic accumulator
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a first and a second chamber. The hydraulic system includes a control valve fluidly connected to the first chamber and a pressure sensor that is configured to measure the fluid pressure in the first chamber. The hydraulic system includes a processing unit connected to the control valve. The processing unit is configured to control a hydraulic fluid flow rate to and from the first chamber of the hydraulic mechanism via the control valve to provide a shock absorption response. The hydraulic fluid flow rate is based at least in part on a pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor. The shock absorption response is based on a simulated hydraulic accumulator.