Hydraulic Tool Regeneration Circuit for Two-Speed Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic tools lack the capability to operate at variable speeds and apply different forces based on the tool's state or the cutting/crimping operation, which limits their efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic tool incorporates a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a piston, a regeneration check valve, and a pilot-operated valve, allowing the piston to move at two distinct speeds and apply different forces by switching between regeneration extension and powered extension modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-speed hydraulic system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and adaptability are limited due to inability to vary operation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system implements dynamic speed variation by switching between two distinct operating modes (fast speed mode and slow speed mode) based on operational requirements. The system transitions from a static single-speed design to a dynamic multi-speed system using mode-selectable hydraulic circuits that adjust flow rates to the actuator cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is segmented into separate fast-speed circuit and slow-speed circuit pathways, allowing independent control of fluid flow rates. This segmentation enables the system to select appropriate speed modes by directing hydraulic fluid through different circuit configurations, achieving variable speed operation without requiring a single complex variable displacement pump.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single-force hydraulic system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision is limited due to inability to apply different forces for different operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system implements dynamic force variation by switching between high-force mode and low-force mode based on the specific operation being performed. The system transitions from a static single-force design to a dynamic multi-force system using mode-selectable hydraulic circuits that adjust pressure and flow characteristics to match operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different hydraulic circuit pathways provide locally optimized fluid characteristics (flow rate and pressure) for different operational phases. The fast-speed circuit provides high flow for rapid positioning, while the slow-speed circuit provides controlled flow for precision operations, allowing each part of the operation to receive appropriately tailored hydraulic characteristics.
3Productivity
If rapid advancement speed is used throughout the operation, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates during crimping/cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system employs periodic action by alternating between fast-speed mode and slow-speed mode based on the operational phase. During positioning and approach phases, the system operates in fast-speed mode for rapid advancement. During precision crimping or cutting phases, the system automatically transitions to slow-speed mode for controlled, precise operation, creating a periodic cycle of speed variation that optimizes both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary rapid advancement to bring the tool to the workpiece, then transitions to slow-speed mode in advance of the actual crimping or cutting operation. This preliminary action sequence allows the system to maximize productivity during travel while ensuring precision is maintained during the critical operation phase.
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 hydraulic tool to efficiently transition from rapid advancement to controlled, high-force operation, enhancing precision and efficiency in cutting or crimping tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a piston... The pump is configured to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and provide fluid to the first chamber via a hydraulic supply line
Implementation Method 2
The regeneration check valve is disposed in a regenerative extension fluid path that fluidly couples the second chamber to the first chamber
Implementation Method 3
The pilot-operated valve is disposed in a power extension fluid path... The pilot-operated valve includes a first port that is fluidly coupled to the second chamber, a second port that is fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir, and a pilot port that is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic supply line via a pilot line
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a hydraulic tool including a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a piston, a fluid reservoir, a pump, a regeneration check valve, and a pilot-operated valve. The regeneration check valve is disposed in a regenerative extension fluid path that fluidly couples a first and second chamber of the hydraulic actuator cylinder. The pilot-operated valve is disposed in a power extension fluid path that fluidly couples the second chamber to a fluid reservoir.