Hydraulic Work Vehicle Speed Control Using Differential Pressure Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speed control methods for work vehicles lack precision in maintaining a predetermined target speed, particularly in response to differential pressure variations, leading to inefficiencies and potential stalling issues.

Innovation Solution

A speed control method that involves controlling a first hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to a first hydraulic motor, detecting differential pressure, and regulating either the pump pilot pressure or engine rotational speed to maintain a predetermined target speed, using a control circuitry system that adjusts the pilot pressure and engine speed based on the detected differential pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing speed control methods limit pilot pressure or engine speed, then vehicle speed can be restricted, but the precision in maintaining a predetermined target speed deteriorates due to lack of response to differential pressure variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by detecting the differential pressure between the hydraulic motor inlet and outlet and using this information to dynamically adjust the pilot pressure supplied to the hydraulic pump. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise maintenance of target speed by continuously responding to actual operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between control precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical speed control mechanisms with a hybrid control system that incorporates electronic sensors for differential pressure detection and electronic control units for pilot pressure regulation. This substitution of mechanical systems with sensor-based electronic control improves speed control precision while managing system complexity through integrated control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If pilot pressure is limited to control vehicle speed, then speed can be restricted, but engine stalling may occur and operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle speed controlVSAvoidengine stalling prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of pilot pressure based on real-time differential pressure detection rather than static pressure limitation. The control system continuously adjusts pilot pressure levels according to actual hydraulic motor loading conditions, enabling smooth speed control that prevents engine stalling by maintaining adequate pressure margins while improving operational efficiency through optimized pressure management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed pilot pressure limitation to variable pilot pressure adjustment based on detected differential pressure. By dynamically modifying the pilot pressure parameter in response to actual operating conditions, the system achieves reliable speed control that prevents engine stalling while maintaining operational efficiency across varying load conditions.

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 method effectively maintains a consistent target speed for the work vehicle, improving operational efficiency and preventing engine stalling by dynamically adjusting hydraulic pressure and engine speed in response to differential pressure changes.

Implementation Method 1

controlling a first hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to a first hydraulic motor to drive a first traveling device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid transmission: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a first hydraulic pressure sensor configured to detect a first hydraulic pressure in the first oil passage, a second hydraulic pressure sensor configured to detect a second hydraulic pressure in the second oil passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS20240060272A1Work vehicle and speed control method for work vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.02.22 KUBOTA CORP
  • US20240060272A1 patent drawing
  • US20240060272A1 patent drawing
  • US20240060272A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A speed control method for a work vehicle includes controlling a first hydraulic pump to supply hydraulic fluid to a first hydraulic motor to drive a first traveling device provided on a vehicle body of the work vehicle and detecting a first differential pressure of the first hydraulic motor. The method includes regulating at least one of a first pump pilot pressure applied to a first pump pilot port of the first hydraulic pump and a rotational speed of an engine to drive the first hydraulic pump such that a vehicle speed is controlled to maintain a predetermined target speed in response to an absolute value of the first differential pressure.