Hydraulic Arrangement for Spring Support Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring support systems for agricultural machines, such as telescopic loaders, can experience sudden lowering of the boom due to pressure differences between the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator, posing safety risks and requiring complete lowering before activating the spring support function.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic arrangement with a non-return valve and flow-reducing means between the accumulator and the controller, ensuring equal pressure between the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator, allowing for safe activation of the spring support system at any time without sudden lowering, and incorporating adjustable flow restrictors for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spring support system is activated when the boom is loaded in the raised position, then the spring support function should be available, but sudden lowering of the boom occurs due to pressure differences between the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges the accumulator with hydraulic fluid before the spring support function is activated. The accumulator is continuously supplied with hydraulic fluid through a dedicated line, ensuring it is ready to immediately counterbalance the hydraulic cylinder pressure when the spring support function is engaged, regardless of the boom position or load condition.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated hydraulic line connects the hydraulic cylinder directly to the accumulator, serving as an intermediary pressure equalization path. This line allows pressure to be balanced between the cylinder and accumulator before the spring support function activates, preventing sudden movements while maintaining system readiness.
2Reliability
If the reservoir connection is closed to build up pressure for opening the load holding valve, then the hydraulic cylinder can lower safely, but the spring support function cannot be activated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into separate control paths: one for lowering (through the load holding valve and reservoir connection) and one for spring support activation (through the dedicated accumulator line). This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently and simultaneously without interfering with each other, eliminating the need to choose between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated hydraulic line acting as an intermediary between the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator enables pressure equalization independent of the reservoir connection state. This intermediary path allows the spring support function to activate at any time without requiring the reservoir connection to be closed, while still maintaining controlled lowering capability through the load holding valve.
3Reliability
If the boom must be lowered completely before activating spring support, then safety is maintained, but operator time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator is pre-charged with hydraulic fluid continuously through the dedicated supply line, preparing the spring support system in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the spring support function is activated, the accumulator is already pressurized and ready to counterbalance the hydraulic cylinder, eliminating the need to lower the boom completely first and thereby saving operational time while maintaining safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate control valve is added to enable spring support in neutral position, then the spring support function becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated hydraulic line connecting the hydraulic cylinder to the accumulator serves multiple functions: it pre-charges the accumulator, equalizes pressure before spring support activation, and enables spring support function at any boom position including neutral. This multi-functional line eliminates the need for separate control valves, achieving versatility without increasing device complexity.
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 solution ensures consistent pressure application, allowing for safe and immediate activation of the spring support system, enhancing safety and operating comfort by preventing sudden boom lowering and enabling activation at any time, thus reducing operator workload and saving time.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve (58) opening in the direction of the accumulator (48) is disposed in a third hydraulic line (60) between the accumulator (48) and the controller (12)
Implementation Method 2
a fourth hydraulic line (64), in which a flow-reducing means (62) is provided, is disposed between the non-return valve (58) and the first chamber (28)
Data Source
AI summary
An improved hydraulic arrangement is provided for a spring support system. The arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic fluid feeder, a hydraulic accumulator, a first control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator, a second control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic reservoir as well as an automatic shut-off valve and a controller with a lifting position, a lowering position and a neutral position for the hydraulic cylinder. In order to prevent different pressure loads between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, it is suggested to equalize the pressure between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, without impairing the spring support system or the automatic shut-off valve. Accordingly, the accumulator is suitably connected to a non-return valve and to a flow restrictor or orifice.