Hydraulic Drive Valve Switching for Cylinder Flushing in Thick Matter Pumps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic drive systems for construction and viscous material pumping systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to complex designs and inadequate fluid management, particularly during switching operations.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic drive system with a first and second drive cylinder, directional control valves, and a flushing hydraulic fluid device, allowing for various switching positions and connections to optimize fluid flow and management, including alternating flushing and cylinder locking functions, using 4/2-way valves and electrical control for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex hydraulic drive system design is used, then the system can achieve various functions, but the system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the first and second directional control valves to perform multiple functions through different switching position combinations. The same valves can connect drive cylinders to each other for normal operation, or connect to the flushing hydraulic fluid device for flushing operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated valves for each function and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility

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

2Productivity

If traditional flushing methods are used during switching operations, then the system can maintain fluid flow, but pressure drops occur and fluid management becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid management efficiencyVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing flushing operations at predetermined switching positions of the directional control valves. The system proactively flushes hydraulic fluid through the drive cylinders at specific moments in the operation cycle, rather than reactively responding to pressure issues. This planned flushing approach maintains fluid flow efficiency and minimizes pressure drops by ensuring clean fluid paths are established before they are needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by integrating flushing operations into the normal operational cycle through predetermined switching positions. The flushing hydraulic fluid device operates continuously in sync with the directional control valves, ensuring that fluid management remains efficient throughout the entire operation cycle without interrupting the productive function of the drive system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 cost-effective and efficient fluid management, reducing pressure drops and preventing overflow, enhancing the service life of pumps and enabling faster warm-up with demand-based switching, suitable for construction and viscous material pumping applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first directional control valve (5) and a second directional control valve (6), wherein the first directional control valve (5) is configured by a first switching position (5S1) for connecting a first drive cylinder (3) to the second directional control valve (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

configured by a second switching position (5S2) for connecting the second directional control valve (6) to a flushing hydraulic fluid device (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic flushing: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4430305B1Hydraulic drive system for a construction and/or thick matter pump system, construction and/or thick matter pump system, and method for operating a hydraulic drive system and/or a construction and/or thick matter pump system
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 PUTZMEISTER ENG GMBH
  • EP4430305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4430305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4430305B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic drive system (1) for a construction and/or thick matter pump system (2), - wherein the hydraulic drive system (1) comprises a first drive cylinder (3) and a second drive cylinder (4), - a first directional valve (5) and a second directional valve (6), and - a flushing hydraulic liquid device (7), - wherein the first directional valve (5) is configured to connect the first drive cylinder (3) to the second directional valve (6) by way of a first switching position (5S1) and to connect the second directional valve (6) to the flushing hydraulic liquid device (7) by way of a second switching position (5S2), and - wherein the second directional valve (6) is configured to connect the second drive cylinder (4) to the first directional valve (5) by way of a first switching position (6S1) and to connect the first directional valve (5) to the flushing hydraulic liquid device (7) by way of a second switching position (6S2).