Modular Hydraulic Valve Block for Steering-First Flow Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular valve assemblies for hydraulic systems in work vehicles are complex and difficult to adapt for different vehicle specifications, as they require multiple pumps and complex configurations to manage hydraulic pressure for steering, service brakes, and work equipment, making them inflexible and hard to integrate with varying equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic valve module with a monolithic valve block and modular design, featuring priority valves and load sensing mechanisms that connect multiple pumps to prioritize hydraulic pressure distribution across different circuits, ensuring adequate flow and adaptability for various vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unitary valve block with multiple hydraulic circuits is used to supply pressure to steering, service brakes, and work equipment, then adequate flow is available to operate all circuits simultaneously at peak demand, but the valve block becomes large and complex and is difficult to adapt for use in different vehicles with different equipment specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic valve system into separate modular components: a first valve assembly for steering and service brake circuits, and a second valve assembly for work equipment circuits. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed and configured according to specific vehicle requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to supply adequate flow to all circuits when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve both steering and service brake circuits, allowing it to be used across different vehicle configurations. The modular design enables the same basic valve assembly to be adapted for various applications by changing connections and configurations rather than redesigning the entire valve block for each vehicle type.
2Quantity of substance
If two or three separate pumps are used to supply hydraulic pressure to different circuits, then it is easier to fit the pumps into available space on the chassis and adequate flow is available for simultaneous peak demand, but the hydraulic valve assembly becomes more complex requiring priority valves and multiple pump inlets
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct sections for each pump inlet, with the first valve assembly receiving input from the first pump and the second valve assembly receiving input from the second pump. This segmentation simplifies the overall architecture by creating clear functional boundaries, making the system easier to understand and maintain despite using multiple pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces priority valves as intermediary components that mediate between multiple pump sources and the various hydraulic circuits. These priority valves automatically manage flow distribution based on circuit demands, simplifying the control logic while ensuring adequate flow availability to all circuits including steering, service brakes, and work equipment.
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 solution provides a flexible and efficient hydraulic pressure management system that prioritizes flow to critical circuits, ensuring optimal operation of work equipment and steering functions while reducing the complexity of the valve assembly, allowing for easier adaptation to different vehicle specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a monolithic valve block having a plurality of internal flowpaths, an external, first interface surface, an external, second interface surface and at least one further external surface
Implementation Method 2
The first interface surface is sealingly connectable, in a connected configuration, to a corresponding interface surface of a further, fan and brake function valve module
Implementation Method 3
The steering function priority valve is operable responsive to the steering load sensing pressure signal to restrict the supply of hydraulic pressure from the second pump inlet to the work function outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic valve module (2000) for a vehicle (10) is configured to receive hydraulic pressure from a first pump (61) via a first pump inlet (2205) in a first interface surface when connected to a first adjacent module (1000), and from a second pump (62) via an external port (2006). The module (2000) combines both flows to supply a work function circuit (40) of a vehicle via a port (2301) formed in a second interface surface to communicate with a second adjacent module (3000). The module (2000) prioritises flow from the second pump (62) to a steering circuit (50) over the work function circuit, and restricts flow from the first pump (61) to the work function circuit to prioritise and maintain pressure in the first adjacent module upstream of the first pump inlet (2205) which may supply service brake and cooling fan circuits (21, 22, 30) of the vehicle.