Hydraulic Unit Compact Design via Pump-Block Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic units face challenges in achieving a compact design with simple actuation, high stiffness, overload protection, low noise, adaptability to extreme conditions, and flexibility without electric directional control valves, while maintaining reliable and energy-efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic pump and block form a functional unit with integrated valves and a delivery chamber covered by the hydraulic block, allowing for a compact, reliable, and energy-efficient design with the hydraulic fluid circulating through all elements, enabling cooling and power transmission functions, and incorporating additional pumps for enhanced pressure generation and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hydraulic pump and hydraulic block are integrated into a functional unit with the delivery chamber covered by the hydraulic block, then the dimensions of the hydraulic unit are reduced and compact design is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic pump and hydraulic block into a single functional unit where the delivery chamber of the pump is covered by the hydraulic block. This integration eliminates the need for separate housings and reduces the overall dimensions of the hydraulic unit, achieving compact design while maintaining functional independence through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic block serves multiple functions: it covers the delivery chamber, provides mounting surfaces for hydraulic connection elements, integrates valves, and acts as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving compactness without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If hydraulic elements are integrated directly in the pump housing and hydraulic block, then reliable operation is ensured through shortest connections, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic elements such as pressure-limiting valves, anti-cavitation valves, and pilot-operated non-return valves are integrated directly into the pump housing and hydraulic block. This merging of components ensures reliable operation by providing the shortest possible connections and eliminating leakage paths, while the modular nature of the integration keeps the complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic block acts as an intermediary element that connects the pump delivery chamber to the hydraulic connection elements. This intermediary structure provides organized routing for hydraulic fluid, supports integrated valves, and maintains reliable connections without requiring complex external piping arrangements.
3Temperature
If the hydraulic fluid circulates through all elements of the module in the longitudinal direction, then cooling function is achieved in addition to power transmission, but the device complexity increases due to circulation system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid circulation system serves dual purposes: it transmits power from the pump to the actuators and simultaneously cools the hydraulic elements by carrying heat away from the pump, valves, and other components. This multi-functionality is achieved through the existing circulation paths without requiring separate cooling systems, thereby avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system cools itself through the circulation of hydraulic fluid that naturally flows through all elements of the module. The pump's delivery and the system's operational cycles create self-sustaining circulation paths that provide cooling without external intervention or additional energy input, avoiding the complexity of active cooling systems.
4Device complexity
If electric directional control valves are eliminated for actuation, then the device complexity is reduced and simpler actuation is achieved, but the adaptability to different operating conditions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric directional control valves with a mechanical positioning system where the pump's rotational direction and speed directly control the hydraulic fluid flow. The pump can be mechanically positioned to deliver fluid in different directions and at different flow rates, eliminating the need for electronic control valves while maintaining adaptability to various operating conditions through mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system provides self-regulating control where the hydraulic fluid's pressure and flow characteristics automatically adapt to different operating conditions. The system uses the hydraulic fluid's inherent properties and the pump's mechanical characteristics to provide appropriate flow control without requiring external electronic control valves, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The hydraulic unit (1) has a hydraulic pump (7) and a hydraulic block (8) which forms a functional unit. The hydraulic block is provided with multiple hydraulic connection elements (9). A hydraulic storage (5) is provided as a component part of a uniformly handled rigid module (30).