Hydraulic Circuit Valve Control for Multi-Actuator Flow Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial vehicles with multiple hydraulically powered actuators face inefficiencies in energy usage, leading to suboptimal fuel efficiency and increased operational costs due to the lack of effective hydraulic control systems that can dynamically manage hydraulic fluid flow and pressure across multiple actuators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronically commutated hydraulic machine with a rotatable shaft and variable working chambers, coupled with a hydraulic circuit that includes low-pressure and high-pressure valves, allows for active control of fluid displacement based on demand signals, optimizing fluid flow and pressure distribution across multiple actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional hydraulic control systems are used to supply multiple actuators, then all actuators can be powered, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to continuous hydraulic fluid flow and pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of hydraulic fluid flow by actively adjusting valve positions based on real-time actuator demands. The low-pressure and high-pressure valves are controlled to vary the net displacement of hydraulic fluid by each working chamber, enabling the system to adapt continuously changing flow requirements of multiple actuators, thereby improving energy efficiency by maintaining pressure and flow only when and where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes hydraulic parameters (flow rate, pressure, net displacement) dynamically by controlling the timing and duration of valve openings. The controller adjusts the net displacement of hydraulic fluid by each working chamber on each cycle, varying these parameters according to actual actuator demands rather than maintaining constant high-pressure flow, thus reducing energy wastage
2Productivity
If hydraulic fluid flow is increased to meet peak demands of multiple actuators, then actuator performance is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing hydraulic fluid flow and pressure only to the extent needed by each actuator at any given moment. Instead of continuously supplying maximum flow to all actuators, the system uses controlled valve operation to provide恰好 enough hydraulic fluid displacement to meet current operational demands, thereby maintaining actuator performance while reducing fuel consumption
3Reliability
If continuous hydraulic pressure is maintained in the hydraulic circuit, then actuators are ready for immediate operation, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by controlling the hydraulic machine to deliver hydraulic fluid in discrete cycles corresponding to the rotation of the hydraulic machine's shaft. The low-pressure and high-pressure valves are opened at specific points during each rotation cycle, delivering hydraulic fluid in controlled pulses rather than continuous flow, thereby maintaining actuator readiness through periodic pressurization while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous pressure maintenance
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by dynamically allocating hydraulic fluid flow and pressure, reducing energy wastage and improving fuel efficiency, while also preventing engine droop and stalling, thereby optimizing the performance of industrial vehicles like excavators.
Implementation Method 1
each working chamber of the hydraulic machine comprising a low-pressure valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the working chamber and a low-pressure manifold and a high-pressure valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the working chamber and a high-pressure manifold
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic machine having a rotatable shaft in driven engagement with the prime mover and comprising a plurality of working chambers having a volume which varies cyclically with rotation of the rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 3
a high-pressure valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the working chamber and a high-pressure manifold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus comprising prime mover and a plurality of hydraulic actuators, a hydraulic machine having a rotatable shaft in driven engagement with the prime mover and comprising a plurality of working chambers having a volume which varies cyclically with rotation of the rotatable shaft, a hydraulic circuit extending between a group of one or more working chambers of the hydraulic machine and one or more of the hydraulic actuators, each working chamber of the hydraulic machine comprising a low-pressure valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the working chamber and a low-pressure manifold and a high-pressure valve which regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the working chamber and a high-pressure manifold, the hydraulic machine being configured to actively control at least the low-pressure valves of the group of one or more working chambers to select the net displacement of hydraulic fluid by each working chamber on each cycle of working chamber volume, and thereby the net displacement of hydraulic fluid by the group of one or more working chambers, responsive to a demand signal, the apparatus comprising a controller configured to calculate the demand signal in response to a measured property of the hydraulic circuit or one or more actuators, wherein the demand signal is quantised, having one of a plurality of discrete values.