Hydraulic Steering System with Segmented Actuator Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple cylinder hydraulic steering systems require helm pumps that discharge a higher volume of hydraulic fluid per revolution compared to single cylinder systems, necessitating the stocking of different pump types by original equipment manufacturers and increasing steering effort.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic steering system comprising two hydraulic actuators with two actuator ports each, where one port receives fluid to steer in one direction and discharges in the opposite direction, and another port receives fluid to steer in the opposite direction and discharges in the first direction, utilizing a helm pump connected to both actuators and a power hydraulic pump to assist steering, allowing for reduced hydraulic fluid volume requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple cylinder hydraulic steering systems use a helm pump that discharges a higher volume of hydraulic fluid per revolution, then the cylinder volume supplied by the helm pump is increased, but the steering effort required by the helmsman increases and manufacturers must stock multiple pump types
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into two independent hydraulic circuits: a first hydraulic circuit with a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic circuit with a second hydraulic actuator. Each circuit can be independently controlled by the helm pump, allowing the pump to deliver fluid to only one actuator at a time, thereby reducing the total volume required per revolution while maintaining steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically routes hydraulic fluid flow based on steering direction requirements. The helm pump connects to different actuator ports depending on whether the helm is steered in the first or second direction, optimizing fluid delivery to match actual steering needs rather than providing maximum volume to all actuators simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple cylinder hydraulic steering systems use a helm pump that discharges a higher volume of hydraulic fluid per revolution, then the cylinder volume supplied by the helm pump is increased, but manufacturers must stock two or more types of helm pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The helm pump is designed with universal connectivity to both the first and second hydraulic actuators through multiple ports. A single pump type can serve multiple cylinder configurations by routing fluid to different actuator ports based on steering direction, eliminating the need for manufacturers to stock different pump types for single versus multiple cylinder systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two hydraulic actuators are used in parallel to increase cylinder volume, then the steering system can handle multiple directions, but the hydraulic fluid volume required per revolution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydraulic fluid delivery by creating separate first and second hydraulic circuits, each with its own actuator. The helm pump can independently supply fluid to either circuit based on steering direction, so the total volume required per revolution is the maximum of the two circuits rather than the sum of both, reducing overall fluid volume requirements.
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 configuration enables the use of a helm pump designed for single cylinder systems in multiple cylinder systems, reducing the need for multiple pump types and lowering steering effort, while maintaining equivalent lock-to-lock turns.
Implementation Method 1
a helm pump operatively connected therewith. The helm pump has a first helm hydraulic port and a second helm hydraulic port. The first helm hydraulic port discharges hydraulic fluid when the helm is steered in the first direction and receives hydraulic fluid when the helm is steered in the second direction.
Implementation Method 2
A powered hydraulic pump is hydraulically connected to the third of the actuator ports and the fourth of the actuator ports and operatively connected to the sensor. The powered hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid to the third of the actuator ports when the apparatus is steered by the helm in the first direction and pumps hydraulic fluid to the fourth of the actuator ports when the apparatus is steered by the helm in the second direction.
Implementation Method 3
There is a sensor for sensing steering by the helm. A powered hydraulic pump is hydraulically connected to the third of the actuator ports and the fourth of the actuator ports and operatively connected to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic steering system comprises two hydraulic actuators, each having two actuator ports. There is a helm for steering the system in a first direction and a second direction. The helm is operatively connected to a helm pump. The helm is operatively connected to a first actuator port and a second actuator port. There is a power hydraulic steering pump hydraulically connected to a third of the actuator ports and a fourth of the actuator ports. There is a sensor capable of detecting steering of the system. The sensor is operatively connected with the power steering pump such that the power steering pump pumps hydraulic fluid towards the third of the actuator ports when the helm is steered in the first direction and pumps hydraulic fluid towards the fourth of the actuator ports when the helm is steered in the second direction.