Hydraulic Steering Flow Divider for Dynamic Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic steering arrangements require the main orifice to open before vehicle steering can start, limiting the ability to initiate steering with small angle rotations and resulting in inadequate hydraulic fluid supply.
Innovation Solution
A flow divider connects the load sensing port with the main and amplification flow paths downstream the main and amplification orifices, enabling dynamic flow distribution and allowing steering to begin before the orifices fully open, with additional features like check and safety valves for safety and smooth transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the main orifice is used to supply hydraulic fluid to the working port arrangement, then the steering arrangement can provide sufficient hydraulic flow, but steering cannot start until the main orifice opens
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic flow path is segmented into multiple independent channels: a main flow path through the main orifice for full steering flow, and a dynamic flow path through the amplification orifice for initial steering activation. This segmentation allows each path to serve its specific function - the dynamic path enables steering start while the main path provides full hydraulic supply
Solution Approach 2:
The amplification orifice and associated amplification flow path are configured to activate before the main orifice opens. This preliminary action allows hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the working port arrangement in advance, enabling the steering to start before the main orifice becomes operational
2Measurement precision
If the main orifice and amplification orifice are kept closed for small angle steering, then steering precision is improved, but hydraulic fluid supply becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider acts as an intermediary component that receives hydraulic fluid from the dynamic flow path and distributes it to both the main flow path and amplification flow path. This mediation ensures proper flow distribution and maintains sufficient hydraulic supply even when the main orifice remains closed for small angle steering operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If a flow divider is added to connect the load sensing port with both flow paths, then smooth transition between dynamic flow and full flow is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs flow distribution, pressure regulation, and transition management. It divides incoming hydraulic fluid between the main and amplification flow paths while maintaining pressure equilibrium, thereby achieving multiple functions with a single component to minimize the increase in 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
Enables dynamic steering with small angle rotations by providing a continuous hydraulic fluid supply and ensures smooth transition to full flow, while preventing kick-back and dangerous situations due to jammed components.
Implementation Method 1
A flow divider distributes the flow to both the main flow path and to the amplification flow path
Implementation Method 2
a check valve is arranged in a connection between the flow divider and the main flow path, the check valve opening in a direction away from the flow divider
Implementation Method 3
a safety valve is arranged in the amplification flow path, said safety valve being loaded in closing direction by a pressure in the main flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic steering arrangement (1) is described comprising a supply port arrangement (P, T) having a pressure port (P) and a tank port (T), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a main flow path (2) having a main orifice (A1), at least one further orifice (A2, A3, A4) downstream the main orifice (A1), and a measuring motor (3), the main flow path (2) being arranged between the pressure port (P) and the working port arrangement (L, R), a return flow path (4) arranged between the working port arrangement (L, R) and the tank port (T), an amplification flow path (6) having an amplification orifice (AU) and being arranged between the pressure port (P) and the working port arrangement (L, R), and an adjustable pressure source (9) connected to the pressure port (P) and having a load sensing port (18), wherein a main drain orifice (Amd) is connected between the main flow path (2) downstream the main orifice (A1) and the return flow path (4). It should be possible to operate such a steering arrangement with a dynamic flow. To this end a flow divider (19) connects the load sensing port (18) with the main flow path (2) downstream the main orifice (A1) and the amplification flow path (6) downstream the amplification orifice (AU).