Hydraulic Actuator Supply Control With Knowledge-Based Setpoint Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems face challenges in optimizing energy consumption and dynamic behavior due to the complexity of operating systems with adjustable displacement units and variable-speed drives, and existing optimization methods require additional system parameters.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a knowledge-based decision system, such as fuzzy logic or a neural network, to set speed and displacement volume setpoints, optimizing these parameters based on expert knowledge, simulations, and experiments to improve energy consumption and dynamic behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a model-based optimization problem is integrated into the control system to improve energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional system parameters required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex model-based optimization algorithms with a knowledge-based decision system that uses fuzzy logic and neural networks. This substitution simplifies the control architecture by using pattern recognition and expert knowledge stored in knowledge bases, rather than requiring real-time solution of complex optimization problems with multiple system parameters.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The knowledge-based decision system autonomously determines optimal control actions by querying its internal knowledge base and applying fuzzy logic rules, without requiring external optimization models or additional system parameters. The system serves itself by using pre-stored expert knowledge to make real-time decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the delivery system with two adjustable parameters is operated to achieve the specified size profile, then the size profile accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in optimal operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize profile accuracyVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a knowledge-based decision system as an intermediary between the operator and the complex delivery system. This intermediary automatically coordinates the two adjustable parameters (displacement volume and drive speed) based on the specified size profile, eliminating the need for operators to manually optimize multiple parameters while maintaining accurate size profile achievement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts the two adjustable parameters (displacement volume and drive speed) based on the specified size profile and knowledge base rules. By automating parameter changes, the system maintains precise size profile accuracy while eliminating the operational difficulty of manually coordinating multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If commissioning is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity may deteriorate due to reduced optimization capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning simplicityVSAvoidoptimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs optimization work in advance by pre-populating the knowledge base with expert knowledge, fuzzy logic rules, and neural network training data. This preliminary action allows the system to be commissioned simply without complex setup, while still maintaining high optimization capability during operation through the pre-prepared knowledge base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4505080B1Method for adjusting a pressure medium supply for at least one hydraulic actuator, and hydraulic system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 PARKER HANNIFIN EMEA SARL
  • EP4505080B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a pressure medium supply for at least one hydraulic actuator (1), wherein the actuator (1) is supplied with a pressure medium by a displacement unit (2) adjustable in its displacement volume, the displacement unit (2) is driven by a variable-speed drive (3) and a quantity of pressure medium to be supplied to the actuator is predetermined by a size profile (4), wherein a speed setpoint value of the drive (3) and/or a setpoint value for the displacement volume of the displacement unit (2) is set taking into account a knowledge-based decision system. The invention also relates to a hydraulic system.