Hydraulic System Fluid Warming and Pressure Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems for working machines, such as skid steer loaders and compact track loaders, face challenges in efficiently warming up and managing hydraulic fluid pressure, leading to inefficiencies in operation and potential engine stalling.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic system with a network of fluid tubes and valves, including a first and second fluid tube connected by a third fluid tube, allows for the warming-up of hydraulic fluid by switching operation fluid between the brake and speed-changing mechanisms, utilizing throttling portions and check valves to control fluid flow and pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If hydraulic fluid is warmed up using a dedicated heat-up circuit, then warming efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic fluid temperatureVSAvoidhydraulic circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the brake mechanism and speed-changing mechanism to serve dual purposes: their primary functions (braking and speed control) and a secondary warming-up function. By circulating hydraulic fluid through these existing mechanisms during idle periods, the system achieves heating without dedicated heating components, thus improving warming efficiency while avoiding increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by using the brake and speed-changing mechanisms to warm up the hydraulic fluid themselves. These mechanisms, which would otherwise be idle during certain operating conditions, automatically circulate and heat the fluid through their own operation, eliminating the need for external heating systems or additional control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Power

If hydraulic fluid pressure is increased for better performance, then power output is improved, but engine load increases causing potential stalling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic power outputVSAvoidengine energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing variable displacement pumps that can adjust their output based on actual system needs. The pump displacement is dynamically controlled according to hydraulic circuit pressure and flow requirements, allowing the system to deliver high power when needed while consuming minimal engine energy during low-demand periods, thus preventing engine stalling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor hydraulic circuit pressure and flow conditions, and this information is used to automatically adjust pump displacement and valve positions. This closed-loop control ensures that hydraulic power output matches actual workload requirements, preventing excessive energy consumption and engine overload

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hydraulic circuits are operated simultaneously, then operational versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydraulic operation versatilityVSAvoidhydraulic energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing load-sensing technology that directs hydraulic flow only to the circuits that actually need operation at any given moment. The system provides high flow and pressure to active circuits while reducing or stopping flow to idle circuits, enabling versatile multi-circuit operation while minimizing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 efficient warming-up of hydraulic fluid and prevents engine stalling by managing hydraulic fluid pressure effectively, enhancing the operational efficiency of working machines.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic pump to output an operation fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a third fluid tube connecting the first fluid tube to the second fluid tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing throttling portions and check valves to control fluid flow and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 4

utilizing throttling portions and check valves to control fluid flow and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS10435867B2Hydraulic system for working machine
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 KUBOTA CORP
  • US10435867B2 patent drawing
  • US10435867B2 patent drawing
  • US10435867B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic system for a working machine includes a first hydraulic apparatus to be activated by the operation fluid, a second hydraulic apparatus being configured to be activated by the operation fluid, a first operation valve to control the operation fluid to be supplied to the first hydraulic apparatus, a second operation valve to control the operation fluid to be supplied to the second hydraulic apparatus, a first fluid tube connecting the first operation valve to the first hydraulic apparatus, a second fluid tube connecting the first operation valve to the second hydraulic apparatus, a third fluid tube connecting the first fluid tube to the second fluid tube, and an outputting fluid tube connected to any one of the first operation valve and the second operation valve and configured to output the operation fluid supplied from any one of the first fluid tube and the second fluid tube.