Hydraulic Traction Control Using Variable Motor Flow Restriction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traction control and anti-slip systems in hydraulic systems for off-road vehicles and machines are costly, large, and inefficient, particularly when using regenerative circuits, which face issues with energy retention and component multiplication, leading to significant losses and functional failures.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic system comprising two groups of motors, a power supply, and a regulation block with sensors and controllers to manage operating speeds and pressure restrictions, reducing component count and energy losses by modulating pressure differences across motor groups, enabling engine braking and traction control with a single speed sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If regenerative circuits are used to recover energy during braking phases, then energy loss is reduced, but the system loses restraint function when batteries or accumulators are fully charged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidrestraint function
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydraulic circuit with a motor acting as an intermediary device between the power source and the driven elements. This motor-hydraulic circuit system serves as a mediator that can store and release energy mechanically through hydraulic pressure, independent of the electrical battery/accumulator state. The hydraulic system absorbs energy during braking phases and releases it during acceleration, providing a reliable restraint function that doesn't depend on electrical energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional traction control systems are implemented, then traction control function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiplication of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction control functionVSAvoidcomponent multiplication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the hydraulic motor and control circuit universal by designing them to perform multiple functions: they provide both the drive function (converting hydraulic energy to mechanical rotation) and the braking/restraint function (converting mechanical energy to hydraulic pressure). The same motor and hydraulic circuit that drive the vehicle during normal operation also serve as the braking system, eliminating the need for separate friction brakes and complex regenerative braking systems. This multi-functionality reduces component multiplication while maintaining reliable traction control.

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

3Duration of action of moving object

If friction braking means are used for long-term driving, then engine braking function is provided, but friction brakes overheat and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong-term driving capabilityVSAvoidbrake temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical braking system with a hydraulic-mechanical energy recovery system. Instead of using friction brakes that convert kinetic energy to heat, the system uses a motor operating in reverse as a generator to convert kinetic energy into hydraulic pressure energy, which is stored in the hydraulic circuit. This substitution eliminates the overheating problem inherent in friction braking while providing sustained long-term braking capability through energy recovery and storage.

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

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 system achieves efficient engine braking and traction control with reduced component count and energy losses, minimizing system degradation and cost, while maintaining performance and preventing damage to batteries or accumulators during long-term restraint.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor adapted to measure an operating speed of one of the hydraulic motors of one of said first group of motors and second group of motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a regulation block adapted to form a variable restriction on the intake of one of said first group of motors and second group of motors, and a variable restriction on the discharge of the other of said first group of motors and second group of motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

control the regulation block as a function of a setpoint so as to control the operating speed of the hydraulic motors of the first group of motors (M1) and the operating speed of the hydraulic motors of the second group of motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow control: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4308830B1System and method for improved traction control
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 POCLAIN HYDRAULICS IND
  • EP4308830B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4308830B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic system comprising a first group of motors (M1) which includes at least one hydraulic motor (M11), a second group of motors (M2) which includes at least one hydraulic motor (M21), and a supply group (10) which is designed to deliver a pressure and to supply the first group of motors (M1) and the second group of motors (M2) in parallel so as to define a supply and a discharge of fluid for each of said first group of motors (M1) and second group of motors (M2), said system comprising a control block (100) which is designed to form a variable restriction on the intake of one of said first group of motors (M1) and second group of motors (M2) and a variable restriction on the discharge of the other of said first group of motors (M1) and second group of motors (M2).