Hydraulic Steering Flow Meter Jamming Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic steering devices with amplification flow paths are at risk of uncontrolled steering motor actuation due to jamming of the flow meter means, which can occur when it is blocked by dirt or particles, leading to dangerous situations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating pressure increasing means, such as a valve in the amplification flow path, to increase pressure over the flow meter means up to the pressure port level, allowing the removal of blocking particles and restoring normal operation by actuating the flow meter means to close orifices in both main and amplification flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow meter means is used to meter hydraulic fluid through the main flow path, then the steering device can control steering motor actuation, but the flow meter means can be blocked or jammed by dirt leading to uncontrolled steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a bypass flow path that allows hydraulic fluid to flow around the flow meter means when blockage is detected. This preventive measure ensures that if the flow meter becomes blocked by dirt, the steering motor can still be controlled through the bypass path, preventing uncontrolled steering while maintaining normal operation through the main flow path under clean conditions
2Reliability
If the flow meter means is blocked, then hydraulic fluid cannot flow through the main flow path, but the amplification flow path continues to allow uncontrolled actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a sensor to detect the flow rate through the main flow path and automatically adjusting the bypass flow path opening based on the detected blockage condition. When the sensor detects reduced flow indicating blockage, it signals the control system to open the bypass path, providing feedback-based automatic correction to prevent uncontrolled actuation while maintaining reliable flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control valve in the bypass flow path that mediates between the blocked flow meter means and the steering motor. This intermediary valve allows hydraulic fluid to bypass the blocked flow meter when necessary, preventing uncontrolled actuation while maintaining controlled operation through the bypass path under blockage conditions
3Ease of repair
If a valve is added to interrupt flow through the amplification flow path, then pressure can be increased over the flow meter means to remove blockages, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blockage removal function with the existing bypass flow path valve by making it perform dual functions: controlling the bypass flow during normal operation and increasing pressure during blockage removal. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate blockage removal valve, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of repair through the integrated pressure increase capability
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 effectively addresses the risk of uncontrolled steering by ensuring the flow meter means can be cleared of blockages, allowing safe operation by increasing pressure to actuate the flow meter means and restore proper orifice closure, even when jammed, thereby preventing dangerous situations.
Implementation Method 1
pressure increasing means are provided increasing a pressure over said flow meter means in case that the flow through said main flow path is blocked by said flow meter means
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic steering device is provided comprising a supply port arrangement having a pressure port (P) and a tank port (5), a working port arrangement having two working ports (L, R), a main flow path (14) between the pressure port (P) and the working port arrangement, a return flow path (16) between the working port arrangement and the tank port (5), flow meter means (15) being arranged in said main flow path (14), an amplification flow path (17) being arranged in parallel to said main flow path (14), said amplification flow path (17) being connected to said main flow path (14) downstream said flow meter means (15) in a direction from said pressure port (P) to said working port arrangement. A risk of dangerous situations in case of jamming of the flow meter should be reduced. To this end pressure increasing means are provided increasing a pressure over said flow meter means (15) in case a flow through said main flow path (14) is blocked by said flow meter (15).